This Gallery or "parlor" gun is a concept that in unique to the late 19th Century. Starting in Germany and eventually finding its way to American shores by way of Immigrant clubs like the "Turners", the Schutzen-style shooting competitions became quite popular during the second half of the 19th Century; with clubs popping up all over the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. When space permitted, these shooting contests would be held at traditional shooting ranges, but in Urban areas, Schutzen matches were often held in basements, bars, or alleyways using small caliber, low velocity rifles that could be shot safely and relatively quietly in tight urban spaces. The rifles built for these urban matches were known as gallery or parlor rifles. There style and caliber varied greatly; with the most commonly encountered examples being of the Belgian "Flobert" variety.
Typically a parlor rifle was built "full size" with dimensions that would be similar to large caliber long range guns. However, unlike a traditional rifle, the actual barrel only consisted of roughly the last 12" of the gun's muzzle, while the rest of the "barrel" held a a plunger and a spring loaded actuator that fired a diminutive 4 mm cartridge - the perfect size for indoor "plinking". This allowed most parlor rifles to be fired with only the concussive force of a typical priming charge; similar to that of a #11 percussion cap, without the need to load powder under the projectile.
This"Zimmer Schuetzen" rifle was made by August Dickore of Giessen, Germany. It features a beautifully carved buttstock (which happens to be ambidextrous - a rare bonus for my fellow "southpaw" shooters), which fits the shoulder very naturally. Fine hand cut checkering covers the wrist of the stock, and there is no damage anywhere; other than a few cosmetic "drying cracks" around the butt plate.
The lock features light engraving with a pleasing natural patina. The "hammer" holds solid on both full and half cock; set off by a set of double set triggers that work beautifully.
The barrel features most of its original fine rust-blued finish with no rust, pitting or other damage. A tang-mounted aperture sight is neatly machined into the rear of the tang, and is in great condition save for a missing aperture.
The barrel features fine rifling, and the mechanism is intact and fully functional.
For many years, these relics were considered display items, but thanks to a growing number of enthusiasts, 4mm parlor rifle is once again being produced. A quick google search yielded several websites that offered it for sale; meaning you and your friends could resurrect the Schuetzen clubs of yore. All that's missing is a cold pint and a bratwurst!
