Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this highly unusual double-action-only radial revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Chicago Firearms The Proctor.
Disclaimer: Due to the age and unique mechanical design of this firearm, it is strongly recommended that it be thoroughly inspected by a qualified gunsmith to verify structural integrity and safe function before any attempt is made to load or fire it.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Chicago Firearms
Model: The Proctor
Serial: 961
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 1 ¾"
Optics/Sights: No Sights
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic
Action: 7-Shot, Double-Action-Only (Squeeze-Fire) Radial Revolver
Markings: The inside of the receiver housing, the inside of the sideplate, and the cylinder are each marked “961”. There are no other visible markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Chicago Arms Co. “Protector”, often called the Protector Palm Pistol, is a highly unusual and historically significant antique firearm produced in the United States during the late 19th century. Designed for concealed personal protection, it features a palm-squeeze firing mechanism, allowing the shooter to grip the device like a large pocket watch and discharge the .32 Extra Short rimfire cartridge by compressing the entire frame. The pistol utilizes a 7-shot rotary magazine, a mechanically inventive system for the era, and was produced in limited numbers—approximately 12,800 to 13,000 units—by the Ames Sword Company under contract from Chicago Arms Co. Most examples were nickel-platedto resist corrosion, though some featured blued finishes and optional hard rubber or pearl grip panels, reflecting the aesthetic tastes and functional concerns of the 1890s.
Model: The Proctor
Serial: 961
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Finish: Nickel
Barrel Length: 1 ¾"
Optics/Sights: No Sights
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic
Action: 7-Shot, Double-Action-Only (Squeeze-Fire) Radial Revolver
Markings: The inside of the receiver housing, the inside of the sideplate, and the cylinder are each marked “961”. There are no other visible markings.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Chicago Arms Co. “Protector”, often called the Protector Palm Pistol, is a highly unusual and historically significant antique firearm produced in the United States during the late 19th century. Designed for concealed personal protection, it features a palm-squeeze firing mechanism, allowing the shooter to grip the device like a large pocket watch and discharge the .32 Extra Short rimfire cartridge by compressing the entire frame. The pistol utilizes a 7-shot rotary magazine, a mechanically inventive system for the era, and was produced in limited numbers—approximately 12,800 to 13,000 units—by the Ames Sword Company under contract from Chicago Arms Co. Most examples were nickel-platedto resist corrosion, though some featured blued finishes and optional hard rubber or pearl grip panels, reflecting the aesthetic tastes and functional concerns of the 1890s.
In the historical context, the Protector was marketed as a close-quarters defense weapon during a period of social unrest in Chicago, including the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, where personal protection was in demand. Today, these palm pistols are valued primarily as novelties or collector’s items, prized for their unique mechanical design and unusual operating principle rather than practical use. Despite occasional confusion with other pocket pistols or modern companies bearing similar names, the Protector stands alone as a singular artifact of 19th-century American ingenuity in self-defense weaponry.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1155136785 |
BidPrice: |
799.99 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-04-19 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
804.99 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-04-19 18:14:56 |
