Tribuzio Toolroom Prototype/Proof of Concept Squeeze Pistol, ATF Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: WY250408GF072
Make: Catello Tribuzio
Model: Magazine Pistol “Squeezer” Prototype
Serial Number: None.
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1890-1891, ATF Antique
“Tribuzio, “Squeezer” invented by Catello Tribuzio of Turin, Italy, cal. 8mm short.”
Caliber: Production pistols were chambered for an 8mm or 7.65mm short cartridge. This prototype’s bore is not rifled and is approximately 7mm diameter.
Action Type: Ring-Trigger Squeeze-Firing Repeating Pistol
Markings: None
Barrel Length: 2 3/4″
Sights / Optics: None.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Integral to frame.
Type of Finish: In the white.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bore is mostly bright. There is a little minor oxidation at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9/10 as not intended for firing.
Overall Condition: The surfaces are in the white, showing rough finish consistent with a tool room prototype or proof of concept. There is some scattered light oxidation and a little minor surface erosion. There are some nicks and scratches, mostly blending with the tool marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. Overall, this prototype is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. There is no provision for an extractor on the bolt, the firing pin does not have a sear engagement surface. This pistol is obviously intended as a non-firing prototype/proof of concept piece. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A printout of the patent for this design is included.
Our Assessment: Over the centuries, firearms design has slowly distilled with most guns starting to use one of only a few operating systems. Some of the most interesting firearms in history, however, come from periods where no one really knew the “right way” to design them. Early repeaters are a great example of this and the late 19th Century has a wild array of different mechanisms by which a firearm could fire more than one cartridge without reloading. Especially in this era, it was difficult to make a repeater that was also very compact, with most pocket pistols being revolvers. There were some exceptions including the “squeeze-pistols” developed by a few different inventors.
Some may be familiar with the Chicago Firearms Palm Protector or the ManuFrance Gaulois, both fairly scarce in their own right. Much less common is the Tribuzzio Magazine Pistol or “Squeezer” developed by Catello Tribuzio of Turin, Italy. Its ring-trigger presses the bolt forward, stripping a round out of the magazine as it moves the cartridge stops out of the way. The clever design uses the ejector as the sear, dropped out of the way of the striker as the bolt goes into its fully-forward position, popping back up to kick the fired case out as the bolt is retracted.
Production examples are few and far between, but this bears all the hallmarks of a tool room piece, made as a prototype or proof of concept. From its raw finish to the complete lack of rifling or provision for an extractor, unsecured ring-trigger to facilitate frequent removal for adjustments, and utter lack of markings, it has all the hallmarks of a pre-production piece used to sort out exactly how to make the mechanism function properly. For anyone with an interest in firearm design, early repeaters, or squeeze-pistols more specifically, this is a fantastic find and will take a prized place in a collection. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
