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Please Help with Antique gun I.D.

FLL-MIA
My Grandmother said she thought that this gun came back with my Grandfather from WWII. I don't know anything about it other than it is in what I would consider good condition. It appears to have some crests stamped on it in a couple of differant places and the number 52 in a couple of places also. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry I don't know how to hyperlink this...
Thank you

http://s819.photobucket.com/albums/zz112/FLL-MIA/Grandpas Gun/
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    It's a "Flobert" single shot pistol. Used in Europe for in door target shooting. Commonly made and used from the late 19th to early 20th Centuries. Unfortunately there is little collector demand for these single shot rimfire pistols here in the U.S. Value at most IMHO would be between $100-$200. Do to the fragile mechanism it's not safe to shoot with modern .22 caliber ammo. If you try to shoot it at all use what are call "CB" caps.
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  • FLL-MIA
    So from what I'm getting a "Flobert" has become a general type of gun that could be from various manufacturers? None of the Floberts I've been able to find look anything like mine...
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  • hrf
    quote:Originally posted by FLL-MIA
    So from what I'm getting a "Flobert" has become a general type of gun that could be from various manufacturers? None of the Floberts I've been able to find look anything like mine...


    Here's a link with info about the original gunmaker who's name has become a general term for rifles and pistols having any simple (and weak) design used with weak cartridges for indoor practice, that contained no powder and used only the primer to drive the bullet:

    http://littlegun.be/arme francaise/artisans e f g h i j/a flobert gb.htm

    The crown over U on yours is a German proof mark, and does not identify the maker, who will probably remain unknown.
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  • rhmc24
    The name Flobert has come to be generally applied to guns intended for shooting very low power ammunition, mostly for domestic entertainment. Flobert, a French man, made his simple breechloading design when most guns were muzzleloaded. The actual Flobert design did not have a closing breech as seen on yours. It had a very massive hammer with the firing pin on it that struck the head of the cartridge. The heavy hammer retained the force of the very weak exploding cartridge. Original Floberts are seen both as pistols and long guns, beautifully made and decorated - toys for the affluent of their time.
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  • rufe-snow
    In early 20th Century Europe "Fobert" became a generic name for inexpensive single shot rimfire firearms, mostly rifles. Unlike the earlier Floberts like FLL-MIA's, some were substantially made and could be safely used with .22 LR ammo.
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  • FLL-MIA
    So would you gentlemen say that my "Flobert" is not of the common variety? And you would agree that the marks are German which I know could simply mean that they got ahold of them and stamped them..
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  • hrf
    quote:Originally posted by FLL-MIA
    So would you gentlemen say that my "Flobert" is not of the common variety? And you would agree that the marks are German which I know could simply mean that they got ahold of them and stamped them..


    Your type is not uncommon, and here is a similar one on the auction side:

    http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=158888046
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  • FLL-MIA
    WOW! When they labeled this section "ask the experts" they weren't kidding! Thank you all Very much! I found an almost identical gun here on gunbroker!

    Mind if I post another one?
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  • MIKE WISKEY
    "Mind if I post another one?"............please do and welcome
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  • FLL-MIA
    Thank you all again!

    I never would have figured this one out on my own, as I have been trying at local gun shops for a few months!
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