Antique Minature (Paper) Cap Gun | ||
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Posted 8 years ago
VintageMisc
(48 items)
As a little kid I'd sneak this out of where my mother stored this with a roll of paper caps to play with. Pretty much not the most entertaining of toys, but it nevertheless fascinated me that something so tiny could actually function! There is a small vent on the bottom side of the barrel that could allow a tiny puff of smoke out.
If anyone has any idea of a maker or time frame it was made, I'd appreciate it!
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On the bottom of grip, is there a spot or hole were something was attached at one time?
These are still made. Suisse or German I believe & in pinfire, not cap.
@Dizzydave, looked and the bottom of the grip area is solid.
These Miniatures were also used on Watch Fobs. Thats why I was asking if it had something on bottom of grip...
https://www.google.com/search?q=artist+thorpe&rlz=1CAACAC_enUS632US634&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=655&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjGrryatZzOAhVG5SYKHc1pBx8Q_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=vintage+cap+gun+watch+fob
Thank you Dizzydave for the link, but unfortunately there is nothing on this one to support it being a part of a watch fob or any other accessory.
Here is one real close, Japan. My guess early 50's
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LITTLE-ATOM-SQUARE-BUTT-PINFIRE-2MM-NICKEL-GUN-WITH-MOTHER-OF-PEARL-GRIPS-/161413222704?hash=item2594fa5130&nma=true&si=TLNxHaY8tYCWOxOX6ils4%252FLD2zc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Awesome! Thank you AzTom, I think that's about as close as I'll be able to get to what I have. Thanks again Dizzydave, some of those were close also.
VintageMisc,
What you have is a 2mm pinfire charm pistol made in Japan manufactured post WWII. Most of these made prior to WWII had the barrels bored all the way through. After the war they started blocking the barrels and putting a vent hole on the top, bottom or side of the barrel. Yours was not intended to be used as a watch fob or charm, but as a toy for kids to play with. They shot a 2mm pinfire blank cartridge that was loud. Some were made to be used on a pocket watch chain as a fob, others were made as cuff links and tie clasps, then some like yours to be used as a toy (cap type) gun.
2mm pinfires, also known as Breloque pistols, have been manufactured since the 1890's in Austria, Belgium, Germany and later in the early 1900's by Japan.
I used to have quite a few of these posted here on CW but some time back deleted a lot of post. Maybe I can repost some for you to see.
A good book on these is titled "The Tiniest Guns" by Bob Urso, that describes all the different types, manufactured by the different countries.
Yours is quite corroded so it might not be visible, but on the left side of the frame below the breach, should be stamped JAPAN. It is known as the "Little Atom, Square Butt", with an overall length of 1-3/4 inches. These are made of three layers of stamped brass, riveted together and either nickel or gold plated.
I hope this helps a little describing what you have. They are fun to collect.
Dave
Thank you pw-collector for the definite answer!! And if you could bring up some of your previous pics/postings it would be fascinating. I loved this toy and the guilty pleasure of playing with the more entertaining 'boy toys' vs the droll dolls I was inevitably stuck with.
Is there anyway I can buff/clean the corrosion off the nickle finish without causing any further damage to the gun?
Many, many cudos for your time & expertise. Diane
Diane, here is a link to some like yours that I just posted.
Dave
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/200143-little-atom-2mm-pinfire-berloque-pistols