This is a highly ornate gold inlaid French Gaulois palm pistol. These pistols were produced from the early 1890s until 1911 or 1912. The factory markings are flush inlaid in gold and include "GAULOIS" and crossed cannons/arrow logo on top of the barrel, "CAL-/8mm" on the chamber, the full company marking on top of the frame at the rear and circled "S", "F" and "D" on the left side of the frame. Gold inlaid ginkgo leaf patterns appear on the frame and barrel while the sides of the plunger feature floral engraving accented with gold inlay. The front of the frame is serrated. Provenance: Gillespie collection.