3583

Louis Marquis Patent Marked Post-War Belt Buckle Pistol Complete with Leather Belt and Custom Walnut

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Louis Marquis Patent Marked Post-War Belt Buckle Pistol Complete with Leather Belt and Custom Walnut
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Estimate: $5000 - 7500
This is a custom example of a unique double barrel, belt buckle pistol. The reported history is that these were originally designed by Louis Marquis who came up with the idea while a WWI POW camp, in circa 1915. As an engineer and inventor, Marquis refined his original design and in 1943 reportedly received an order to make several examples for Heinrich Himmler for issuance to high ranking officers for their use in the event of capture. The back side of the cover is marked "LOUIS MARQUIS/W-ELBERFELD/D" and the back side of the entire belt buckle is stamped "D3" with an additional single "D" stamping on the back side of the belt buckle prong. The barrels are smooth bored and chambered in 32 ACP. It has had a reproduction Gold Nazi Navy Eagle affixed to the front. This pistol is accompanied by a WWII style, black leather belt with the tongue marked with the following boxed ink stamp "LW/100", and a beautifully made, custom walnut storage chest. The chest measures, 4.5 X 11.5 inches long, by 3.5 inches high. It is exceptionally well made of fancy deluxe walnut that has been laid out in an alternating pattern on all the sides and lid which has then been inlayed with a beautiful floral design made of brass. It has a slightly domed lid, (which is extremely difficult to make) with a single key lock on the front with a forest green felt interior. While very unique and collectible in their own right, most existing examples were not officially authorized.
BBL: 2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 32 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: D3
Condition: Near mint as custom made with 98% of the blue finish overall, with only minor edge wear. The markings are clear and sharp. The accompanying black leather belt is also excellent with clear ink markings. The storage box is fine with beautiful wood grain and excellent inlays. No matter when it was made, this unique Belt Buckle Pistol is a conversation piece if nothing else!