Martin System "Machine Gun" Pistol, four-shot, 450 caliber. Block of four rifled barrels tilting forward, with opening button at the breech end. Struck at the firing pins "MARTIN PATENT" and "21". Collective extractor. Breech with remains of "MITRAILLEUSE PISTOL" engraving. Walnut stock (small chip). Renickel finish. Length: 30 cm A.B.E. (Small punctures, repolished). The Martin "Machine Gun" predates the famous Lancaster four-barrel model by about a year (patent no. 1531 of April 14, 1880). Originally produced by Thomas Bland & Sons, later contracts were awarded to Thomas Turner and The Braendlin Armory Co. The Martin pistol failed to achieve the commercial success enjoyed by the Lancaster. Total production is thought to have been a few hundred at most, with fewer than 20 existing pistols having been traced to date.