People with guns collection # 65

"NEW YORK -- Robert Abels, has been collecting and reconditioning old firearms for some time in his little shop on Lexington Avenue in New York. Among his collection are a 'Lady's Companion' easily concealable in her stocking, purse or bosom. A tiny three-inch revolver which, if fired at correct range, is just as fatal as a larger one. Mr. Abels says, Sarah Bernhardt packed a similar rod concealed in the false bottom of her cigarette case. The Firearms collection of Mr. Abels ranges from old fashioned Blunderbusses to a 'Chicago Squeezer', the latter used by gangsters in the 1880's. Here Mr. Abels aims an English grenade launcher used by the English Army about 1700." 12/16/46