Pearl Grips Appraisal

Antique Spur Trigger Revolver with Mother-of-Pearl Grips

This item is an antique spurred trigger revolver, likely dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. The pistol features a compact design, characteristic of 'pocket' or 'vest pocket' revolvers popular during that era for concealed carry. The main body of the revolver appears to be constructed from steel or a similar alloy, with a gun-metal grey or blued finish that shows significant wear, particularly on high points and edges, indicating age and handling. There is visible pitting and surface corrosion in various areas, suggesting a lack of meticulous preservation over time, but no obvious signs of significant structural damage or repairs. The most striking feature of this firearm is its grips, which are made from mother-of-pearl. These grips exhibit a beautiful iridescent sheen with natural variations in color and pattern, typical of genuine mother-of-pearl. Each grip panel is secured by a single screw, which is visible on the left side. The hammer is exposed and features a distinctive spur, typical of many early revolvers that lacked sophisticated safety mechanisms. The trigger is a 'spur' type, meaning it protrudes directly from the frame without a trigger guard, a common design for small, early revolvers aimed at compactness. The barrel is relatively short, consistent with a personal defense weapon. The cylinder appears to be a 5 or 6-shot capacity, though the exact number of chambers is not precisely discernible from the image. No clear manufacturer's marks, serial numbers, or caliber designations are visible in the provided image. The overall condition suggests it has been used and handled, but also stored without ideal conditions, leading to the surface degradation. Despite the wear, the mother-of-pearl grips remain largely intact and contribute significantly to its aesthetic appeal and historical context.