Make: Heinrich Barella Gun Maker of Kings

Model: One of One/Berlin Single Shot Flobert Style Pistol

Serial Number: NVSN

Year of Manufacture: 1860-1893

Caliber: .22 Rimfire Flobert. & .32 Rimfire

Action Type: This is a single shot Crack barrel Flobert Pistol

Markings: The top of the barrels are marked “H. Barella in Berlin” The receiver and its tangs, the rear five inches of the barrel, the trigger guard portion of the lever and the breechblock are heavily engraved with leaf and floral motifs. Each side of the receiver is also engraved with large grape leaves. Even the screw heads are engraved. 

Barrel Length: The overall length of the barrels are 12 ?” 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pinched , beaded blade, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an ornate leaf sight adjustable for elevation. It is dovetailed to the barrel flat.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered horn. They are held to the frame by engraved screw . The stocks are in excellent condition.

Type of Finish: The barrel is blued. The frame is brass. 

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The 22 RF bore is grey with defined rifling. The 32 RF barrel is semi-bright with strong rifling. Both barrels rate 8.5/10

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. This pistol is truly fit for a king and the only finish missing is the finish inside the barrel action flat on the left and right of the chamber.The overall condition of the pistol is excellent.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.The barrel has no play to the frame. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This one of one Pistol comes in a custom made fitted walnut case with tools and cleaning rod. Made in Berlin Germany.

Our Assessment: Heinrich Friedrich Wilhelm Barella was born in Soest, North Rhine- Westpahalia on Jan. 3, 1819. His grandfather had emigrated in 1760 from Milan, Italy where the family was well connected,educated and well to do. He (the grandfather) married a woman from the Simon family of Paderborn to the west of Soest. In his late teens Heinrich entered the Royal Foundry in Magdeburg, Saxony where he served a four year apprenticeship. In 1844 he founded his first gunshop in Magdeburg “H. Barella, Königl. Hofbüchsenmacher”. About 1860 Heinrich was recognized by the Royal Prussian court for his high quality products and opened a second shop in Berlin on Laubenstrasse 9. Evidently he changed locations in Berlin several times as an 1866 advertisement gives his shop address as Behrenstrasse nr. 29. Later he moved the shop to Mohrenstrasse nr. 61 to be nearer to the Royal Court. In the early 1860’s Heinrich developed a “quick loading” conversion of muzzle loaders to breech loaders using a paper combustible cartridge. 

This beautiful, highly engraved, single shot pistol is no less of a creation than the ones made for the aforementioned royalty. Barella was a true artisan and appreciated around the world for his mechanical contributions to the firearms industry. This pistol comes from the Richard Claus Private Collection. It comes with two separate 12.5” barrels, one in 32RF, and another in 22RF Flobert. The pistol has beautiful engraving and the condition is incredible. One Of One and fit for a King; this cased commissioned pistol is one for the books. It will be a shining addition to any collection.