Information provided by the consignor suggests that this pistol was built by "William H. Gates", an inventor active in the late 19th and early 20th century. A patent search shows a number of firearm and non-firearm assignments to a William Gates of Massachusetts and Connecticut, but none of the firearm patents resemble this design. Externally the appearance is reminiscent of the Japanese Type 94, but in mechanics it bears a stronger resemblance to Browning's European competition with a reciprocating bolt powered by an under-barrel recoil spring, an enclosed casehardened hammer and a spring-loaded plunger on the trigger that serves as the sear disconnector. Mounting positions and untapped screw holes for a pair of side plates and grips (not included) are present and a spring-loaded grip lever, likely for a not yet installed safety device, is present on the back strap. The magazine is absent, but a small notch in the rear of the magazine well and a lack of other retention devices suggest that a spring-loaded catch would be installed in the base of the magazine itself for retention purposes. No maker's markings, serial numbers, proofs or other identifiers are present.

Fine with a mixed brown patina on much of the bright unfinished in-the-white surface and strong case colors on the hammer and trigger. This is a unique piece of early 20th century Americana.