Lot 1319: Rare Jarre 10-Shot Pinfire Harmonica Pistol

Developed in the 1850s in Paris, France, the Jarre is loaded via a 10-round horizontal block which is pre-loaded with pinfire cartridges and automatically advances between chambers when the pistol is cocked. The trigger is a combined single/double action arrangement, comparable to the Adams or Starr revolvers, with a cocking lever that extends through the trigger guard; one can pull the lever to cock the hammer and then pull the trigger to discharge, or they can pull the trigger directly for a double-action shot. This arrangement represented a significant increase in on-hand firepower for the era, even when compared to other repeating pinfire arms of the same time period. It has a fixed blade front and hammer notch rear sights with matching numbers on the frame and magazine, the Jarre & Company logo on the left side of the breech, smooth hammer and smooth grips.

Very good. The steel components show a mixed bright gray patina overall with a few hints of brown, some mild spotting and light handling marks. The grips are good with some mild dings, strong varnish and an attractive grain pattern, especially on the right panel. Mechanically excellent. A rare example of a scarce early repeating arm.