Developed in the 1930s, the sleeve pistol of Elmer Carlstrom of Chicago, Illinois, uses a mechanism similar to many pen guns of the era, with a screw-mounted smoothbore barrel and a pre-cocked spring loaded striker for firing. Unlike a pen gun, the E. Carlstrom is equipped with a rifled barrel, a steel reinforced leather base, which straps to the underside of the user's forearm, and a light cord that attaches to the trigger mechanism; depending on user preference, this line can be secured to a ring on the finger and automatically discharged when the appropriate hand is flipped upward, attached to a dummy cuff (see pic) button to be pulled by the off-hand, or other imaginative combinations. Both sides of the metal plate that secures the pistol to the brown leather base are marked "E. CARLSTROM CHICAGO", with one side additionally marked "35", with a knurled cocking knob and barrel ring. Fitted at the front and rear of the base are black leather straps, with a buckle on the front and the rear. Manufucture: E. Carlstrom Model: Sleeve Pistol BBL: 2 1/2 inch round rifled Gauge: 38 Serial Number: 35 It shows areas of spotting & rust. Edge wear noticable on the leather straps. Mechanically good. 2 original screws have worn threating (see pics). I have added 2 screws to make functional. A unique piece of Firearms Curiosa.
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Dear Bradley, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. The presented object appears to be the so-called Elmer Carlstrom Sleeve Pistol. This weapon was developed in the 1930s a hidden weapon. It should be marked "PATENTED E. CARLSTROM CHICAGO/4852S MAY ST./U.S.A.". The leather parts appear to be renewed which lowers the estimate slightly. This piece is in good condition and there are no serious damages visible. An estimation would be between 2000 to 3000 USD. This estimation is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary. With kind regards, Georg
