Unique Iver Johnson Prototype Blow-Forward Vest Pocket Pistol Patented in 1916 25 ACP

NSN, .25 ACP, 2" barrel with an excellent bright bore.  This is an unmarked, in-the-white pistol that has a one-piece frame and grip with a long rectangular ejection port on the left side.  The right side of the pistol has an inset slide, only accessible on the right side via eight vertical grasping grooves situated just above the trigger.  A fixed breechblock houses the extractor and firing pin, while the slide spring and guide rod occupy a "tunnel" above the slide which is open to view at the extreme rear.  The grip frame is likewise milled open on the right side in order to accept a removable box magazine which is inserted and removed laterally to the right rather than vertically, as is more common.  The pistol is well-machined, and the parts fit very tightly, although the magazine follower is slightly loose and can flip up slightly, preventing the slide from traveling all the way back into battery.  William O. Barnes was a prolific firearms designer and was employed by the Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works at the time the patent for this unique pistol design was granted.  A copy of Barnes’ patent (US Patent #1173161) is included with the pistol.  This is an extremely interesting piece of US firearms history, almost certainly a one-of-a-kind example, complete with the designer’s written description of the mechanism and workings of the gun.  It would make a wonderful addition as a one of and possibly one of the rarest .25 Autos!.  FFL or C&R