Parlor Pistol Set - ID and value ?

penbrandt

I have a pair of Parlor Pistols that I am trying to find out more about. I have owned them for about 30 years now and have never sought to find any information on them till now except to find out that they were Parlor Pistols. A gun collector about 4 years ago told me that and gave me several rounds that he said fit the guns and told me about the "parlor" fad.

The Proof Marks are two slightly different Crowns set above each other over a Capital "U". (see photos)

One has several pieces marked with what appears to be the same serial number "8". The other has no such serial number. (see photos)

Both are marked with the same proof Marks. (see photos)

The larger one has two holes drilled in the bottom of the barrel (see photos)

It also has "Pat. Pend. 6254.13" on top of the barrel.

I have uploaded six photos of the pair to help with the ID.

below are the individual links to the photos.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h26/penbrandt/Parlor Pistols/PP25.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h26/penbrandt/Parlor Pistols/PP26.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h26/penbrandt/Parlor Pistols/PP28.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h26/penbrandt/Parlor Pistols/PP30.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h26/penbrandt/Parlor Pistols/PP29.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h26/penbrandt/Parlor Pistols/PP31.jpg

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Monty

rufe-snow

They are known as Flobert pistols. Most date to late 19th to early 20th Centuries. The "Crown U" proof marks are German, although it's possible the pistols were actually made in Belgium? There is very little collector interest/demand for these Floberts in the States. Most folks that have them use them as decorators or conversation pieces. They aren't safe to fire with modern rimfire ammo.