Trubia Harmonica Pistol .22 LR 3-Shot Sliding Chamber Block 1961 C&R Rare

SOLD FOR: $1,358.33

LSB#: LSB250509TY033

Make: Fábrica de Armas de Trubia, Asturias, Spain

Model: Harmonica Pistol

Serial Number: NVSN None (date coded)

Year of Manufacture: 1961 (stamped “11/61” = November 1961) — C&R Eligible

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action Pistol with Sliding 3-Chamber Harmonica Block

Barrel Length: 2″ (respectively 1 & 15/16″)

Markings:
The left grip panel is marked with a circular medallion reading “CAL. 22 / TRUBIA / GALLERY”. The right side of the frame is marked “11/61”, indicating production in November 1961. The removable three-shot harmonica block is also numbered “11/61”. No other serial markings are present, consistent with known examples of these pistols.

Sights / Optics:
There are no fixed sights; this pistol was intended for close-range defensive or novelty use only.

Grip Configuration & Condition:
The pistol is fitted with smooth brown composite grips, each with a Trubia medallion. The grips show light wear with no major cracks or chips, rating about Very Good condition for age.

Type of Finish:
Nickel-plated (now toned with areas of surface oxidation and patina).

Finish Originality:
Original.

Bore Condition:
The bore is dark and rough with oxidation. Rifling is dull but visible with scattered light erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4/10.

Overall Condition:
This pistol retains 30% of its original nickel finish, with most surfaces toned to a dull gray patina. There is scattered surface erosion, oxidation, and handling wear throughout. The chamber block shows tool marks and wear from cycling. The screw heads are serviceable. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition as a collectible example of an extremely scarce design.

Mechanics:
The Trubia Harmonica Pistol operates by manually sliding the three-shot chamber block laterally across the breech. Each chamber of the block is its own barrel/chamber unit; once aligned with the firing pin and barrel stub, the pistol may be fired. After discharging, the user slides the block to the next chamber, much like advancing the notes of a harmonica. This is a true harmonica pistol design, a 20th-century revival of a concept that dates back to the percussion era. We do believe the action functions correctly, as the pistol clicks and pings with the trigger fold-down, and we observe the rimfire-style striker protrude when the trigger is squeezed. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
One original three-chamber sliding block is included as the only separate accessory.

Our Assessment:
This is one of the rarest curiosities we’ve ever seen — a genuine Trubia Harmonica Pistol produced in November 1961. The Fábrica de Armas de Trubia was a Spanish government arms factory better known for artillery and rifles, but during the post–Civil War Franco era, the plant produced a number of experimental and small-run pistols. This .22 caliber design revives the harmonica gun principle, first tried in the percussion era: a sliding block containing multiple chambers is moved sideways across the breech for successive shots. Unlike the old percussion harmonicas, this example was chambered for modern metallic cartridges, here in .22 LR.

By 1961, revolvers and semi-automatic pistols had long since made harmonica guns obsolete, so this Trubia design was never practical — it was more an experimental curiosity than a serious service sidearm. Production was extremely limited, and most known examples are identified only by their date codes, not serial numbers, as seen here with “11/61” stamped on both the frame and chamber block.

Collectors of oddball and experimental firearms will immediately recognize the hyper-rare significance of this pistol. It represents a late and rare revival of a centuries-old firearms idea, adapted to modern cartridges but doomed by inefficiency. The survival of any example is remarkable, and its presence on the collector market is an exceptional opportunity. If you want to own something few collectors will ever handle — let alone acquire — this Trubia Harmonica Pistol will make a jewel in any collection of rare, unusual, and historically fascinating firearms. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the rifle in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.