Invented in 1890 by Catell Tribuzio of Turin, Italy, this is a very fine example of one of the most sought after and desirable European repeating pistols of this type (see, for example, Lewis Winant's "FIREARMS CURIOSA", pages 84-85). The pistol features an entirely metal configuration with a blue part octagon barrel, niter blue on the springs and smaller components and a nickel plated frame. The frame differs from the subsequently produced examples in that it has an angled (90 degrees) protrusion in the front which wraps around the unique flat top semi-circular ring trigger. (All subsequent examples had a round ring trigger and no frame extension). The serial number "4" is stamped on the bottom flat of the barrel and on the upper lip of the of the forward grip. The barrel features a full compliment of Belgian proofs on the right barrel flat and the word "BELGIUM" on the left flat. The frame has been subsequently marked "BELGIUM" on the right and left side of the breech, the top of the frame between the action and the firing pin and on the lower left side of the frame. Other than the stamp on the lower left frame all have been triple stamped.

Excellent. The barrel retains 75% thinning original blue finish with handling marks and some light spotting along high points. The frame and operating rod also retain approximately 90% original nickel finish the balance has worn along high spots with some over all minor surface scratches. The niter blue components have for the most part have thinned bright but are still present on the side plate springs. The action is excellent. A good opportunity to own one of the more scarce and early palm squeezers.