FRANCE, late 19th century ROUCHOUSE & Company. "Le Merveilleux". 6-shot semi-automatic pocket and palm pistol. Central percussion, Jacques ROUCHOUSE system. Blackened circular barrel. Stripes. Cal. 6 mm. Nickel-plated steel frame with foliage decoration on grooved background. Blackened steel springs. Trigger guard and inner part numbered "1220". Cream bakelite plates imitating ivory with molded decoration of leaves and phylacteries marked "Le Merveilleux". Barrel length: 7.3 cm - Overall length: 11.9 cm. - Height: 5.7 cm. As is. A few scratches from use; a few spots of rust or blackening on the frame; slightly warped plates, tiny chips. In a leather "purse" case, formerly blackened, with metal clasp (very fair condition). Grade D. The pistol system was patented by Jacques ROUCHOUSE on April 19, 1889. This patent was improved in April 1890. The Merveilleux, a simplified model, appears to have been produced from 1892 onwards. It exists in several variations. Jacques ROUCHOUSE, arms manufacturer from Saint-Etienne, successor to Juste ESCOFFIER around 1890.