Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1318

Lot 1318:A. Jarre Harmonica Pistol 7 mm pinfire

September 12th, 2014|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 1318

Lot 1318:A. Jarre Harmonica Pistol 7 mm pinfire

September 12th, 2014|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$7,500 - $12,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare Documented French Jarre Patent 10-Shot Double Action Pinfire Harmonica Pistol

Developed in Paris and patented in the U.S. in 1862, Alphone Jarre's "breech-bar" system used a horizontal arrangement of pinfire chambers to supply repeating fire, which could be put to use on pistols, rifles, and even cannons. In operation, the bar is pre-loaded with 10 pinfire cartridges, all secured in place with a spring-retained bar, and is then advanced from chamber to chamber left to right by a push arm connected to the double action trigger. When positioned for discharge, the bar sticks up to 3 1/4 inches out of the side of the pistol. Jarre, knowing that is far too cumbersome for a defensive pistol, integrated an ingenious "carry mode": a sliding hinge that allows the barrel group to fold sideways and be repositioned in front of the frame, reducing the width to well under an inch, good even by modern concealed carry standards, with the barrels able to be placed in firing position at a moments notice. The bar and frame both bear the patent mark "A. JARRE/Bte S.G.D.G." with "8" on the bottom of the barrel group and "PC" on the front of the action. A sighting post is installed on the front of the frame. An ejector rod is screwed into the top of the grip section, and the grips are checkered birds head ebony. Jarre's work in the harmonica gun field, and this pistol in particular, were featured in an article by Charles Grimes in the August 2005 (Volume 51, Number 3) of The Gun Report (photocopy of article provided with gun).

ConditionFine with a crisp mixed brown and gray patina on the surface, traces of dark original blue in the protected areas, minor denting on top of the bar from hammer strikes and a few minor handling marks overall. The grips are very fine with some light dings and fine checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerA. Jarre
ModelHarmonica
TypePistol
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge7 mm pinfire
Barrel1 7/8 inch part octagon
Finishblue
Gripebony

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views12692
Catalog page148
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 27Cased London Armoury Co. Adams Patent Double Action Revolver
View Lot
Lot 111Henri Goossens & Sons Pinfire Revolver Sword with Sheath
View Lot
Lot 1181Documented Factory Engraved Colt Police Positive Revolver
View Lot
Lot 3136Antique Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 "Rainmaker" .32 DA Revolver
View Lot
Show More