Paper Name: Miniature Spy Guns

"QUANTUM SHOT" #362
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The smaller, the deadlier

We wrote once about miniature spy cameras, now we are going to up the stakes. James Bond types not only need to inconspicuously take pictures, they also need to inconspicuously kill people. When given "license to kill", it's still better to do it with as little fuss as possible.

We'll start with the "largest" of the bunch, more conventional pistols, which are still portable enough to be hidden in "plain sight". Graciously provided by Alan Trigger, from "Little Gun" collection in Belgium, these pictures remind us of the era of Victorian (and Wild West) engineering, sometimes more deadly when we care to admit.

1869, Brass Knuckle-Pistol Combo "Apache":
(see more pictures here)

Similar thing has been patented in US in 1904:

Military Knuckle Knife, used in WWII looks also quite sinister:

Derringer-Uberti, Italy (caliber .38) -

Gorgeous little Derringer "Maverick":

Reel J. J. was made from 1846 to 1893 -

"Coffee Table" Deprez (purse) gun, very stylish:
(caliber 7mm)

Pocket Watch Pistol

Made in England, very rare model, 0.3 caliber. "Gentlemen, let's synchronize our watches"

Another pistol-watch:

The Pistol Ring "Femme Fatale"

.06 caliber. Also made in England, in 1870. Gives a whole new meaning to nuptial agreements:

Classic Pen Pistol

How many times we read about this in pulp fiction? Here is how this little deadly device looks:

Pistol inside a lock

American-made, controlled by two keys, caliber .38. "You can lock me in, but you're gonna regret it"

Saddle-clasp pistol, 1775

The wildest western accessory I've seen so far:

Single-shot Threaded Bolt Colt

.12 caliber - what kind of circumstances would prompt the use of this one?

Walking Stick Gun

.38 caliber. From Professor Moriarty's wardrobe:

Update This gun is not a really a walking stick. It is a "hunting crop". The little leather tab at the end would obviously prevent it being used as a cane. It is intended to smack a horse or dog during cross-country fox-hunting, without hurting them; the curved handle at the top allows the rider to pull gates open and shut without dismounting from the horse. (However, your reference to Moriarty is still well-taken. Sherlock Holmes carries a hunting crop as a weapon several times in the stories about him!) - info by Kevin K.

The Crucifix Gun

9mm caliber. Aahh...saving these souls from the plight of their mortal coil. May they rest in peace, as I will definitely pray for them...

More influential religious types carry even more advanced system:

The Whip Pistol

Caliber .52, made in England. Kinky.

Strange mini-gun of unknown manufacturer

The Hook Pistol!

The trigger is in the eye of this hook! Probably the smallest gun on record -

The Inkwell Gun

Japanese-made, in 1850, Caliber .36

Pocket Knife Pistol

Smoking Pipe Gun

.22 caliber. Property of Sherlock Holmes:

Booby-trap Pistol

When you need to catch someone unaware. Attach one end of a string to the door and another end to the gun. The poor guy opens the door and... BOOM!