Cased Gaulois Palmpistol number 6

The Gaulois pistol (sometimes referred to as the "Gaulois palm-squeezer") is a compact, palm-squeeze-type repeating pistol produced by the Manufacture Française d'Armes et Cycles de Saint-Etienne in France between roughly 1893 and 1912. While generally recognized for grades No. 1, 2, 3,4,5 and 6. they were produced in different finishes and engravings. 

The top quality was the number 6, which had extensive floral engraving which are gold filled. also the grip was made of pearl. 
Here the gun is in fine shape alll orignal and has the original griop which is missing a few slivers,  Serialnumber 8389, bottom of barrel has some pitting, otherwise finbe, box is of the period but probably not factory.   Truly a very rare gun to be found. 

Key Details of the Gaulois Pistol:

Mechanism: It operates by squeezing the entire unit in the palm of the hand, which compresses a striker spring and fires the weapon.

• Caliber: It is chambered for 8mm Gaulois (sometimes referred to as 8mm or 8mm/92), a short, rimmed cartridge.
• Capacity: It has a 5-round internal magazine (4 in the magazine, 1 in the chamber).
• Safety: Features a 3-position selector lever on the left side: S (Safe), F (Fire), and D (Disassembly).
• Design: Typically features a blued or nickel-plated steel frame with checkered hard rubber (gutta-percha) grips.
• Production: Designed by Etienne Mimard and Pierre Blachon. 

   

These pistols were designed for close-range self-defense and were often sold in specialized leather purses or cigar-style cases. They are considered Type D collector's weapons in France.