Offered here is a very unusual and attractive duckfoot Italian designed pistol comprised of eight barrels in an over/under barrel cluster configuration by Giovanni Merolla, circa 1850-1875. This is believed to be the only surviving example known. Each hammer fires four chambers at once, and both hammers are fired simultaneously when the plunger type trigger is engaged by the user. Each barrel is rifled, and the pistol comes with an 8-shot brass "clip." The rib is signed "Mitragliera Privilegiata/Sistema Merolla Giovanni" in hand cursive engraving. A fine floral scroll engraved pattern covers the sides and top of the frame. Single "Crown/U" proofs are stamped on the right side of the frame and underside of the barrel cluster. In 2003 this pistol was one of 125 firearms and swords that made up the temporary exhibit "Exceptional Arms" in the William B. Ruger Gallery of the National Firearms Museum. At the time, this exhibit was made up of "some of the rarest and most historically significant arms that [the National Firearms Museum] have ever had the privilege of handling." Included is the American Society of Arms Collectors exhibit catalog where this pistol is photographed and identified on page 15.

Excellent, retaining 95% original nickel finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. The engraving is crisp. The hammers retain some original niter blue and the right hammer has been repaired. The repaired right grip panel has some wear in the checkering. The left grip panel has crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A curious multi-barreled cartridge pistol rarely encountered that is a must have for the serious collector looking to complete their firearms curiosa collection.