Project Description
!!!!!SOLD!!!!! This is a previously unknown 18K white & yellow gold 2mm pinfire single shot pistol as sold by Balogh Jewelers back in the 1950’s. The hanging ring on the butt is marked on one side 18K. See Bob Urso’s book, The Tiniest Guns, Third Edition, page 83. Even Bob did not know of this miniature! I sent him photos so he can include it in his next “Fourth Edition” printing. 2 1/16″ long overall not counting the chain & clasp, with a 1 1/32″ barrel of about .083 caliber. The barrel vents through to the muzzle. The grip & receiver part of the pistol is yellow gold, the barrel, hammer, trigger, & trigger guard are white gold. The trigger & trigger guard are one piece, and this assembly is pulled rearward to fire the pistol. The grip, receiver, & barrel with cast in decorative engraving. The barrel locking mechanism is unusual as it is a sliding latch with a tab on each side of the lower forward receiver. Sliding the latch rearward releases the barrel, forward locks it in place. Complete with the original heavy gold chain & clasp that is 3″ long overall. Balogh had stores in Miami Beach, Corral Gables, Hallandale, & Hollywood, & evidently catered to the gentleman’s jewelry trade. The 1950’s ad in Bob’s book states they had been in business since 1910, and states “Balogh’s Boutique for men in 14K and 18K gold”. These piece sold for about $1,400.00 back in the 1950’s, when gold was $35.00/ounce! Total weight is 24 grams or .8 ounce, so at 18K, and gold at about $1,200.00/ounce, there is about $720.00 in gold melt value. !!!!!SOLD!!!!!
