This is an example of a unique 19th century style French ring gun that was most likely manufactured in the 20th Century (whatever the history, these ring pistols are oddities and appeal to collectors purely as conversation pieces). The German silver band of the ring has a light floral type engraving and is marked "LE PETIT PROTECTOR". This ring gun features a small hand rotated 6-shot pinfire cartridge cylinder that must be removed for loading/unloading. The pins of the cartridges are struck by the base of the hammer. Includes a bird's eye maple case with blank escutcheon on the lid.

Very fine, retains 85% original nitre blue finish with the balance a brown-grey patina. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some scattered light handling/storage marks and some mild wear on the interior.