Pen guns have been used all over the world throughout the 20th Century by intelligence agencies, covert operators, assassins, and even regular citizens interested in self defense. Pen guns are single-shot weapons, often in a small caliber such as .22 rimfire, which appear to be a regular inkpen at first glance.
Pen guns are simplistic, easily manufactured, and can take on a variety of appearances. The Office of Strategic Services issued a pen gun known as the Stinger during World War II, and the Central Intelligence Agency later created an updated version which looked more like a pocket flashlight, firing a 9mm Parabellum cartridge.
Other similar disguised weapons include lipstick guns, such as the one on display at the International Spy Museum, flashlight guns, and even cigarette pistols.
Now available are the illustration accompanying three original patent applications for pen gun. The first is the "Fountain Pen Gun" by inventor F.L. Huguenin, filed in September 1928 and awarded in March 1930. The next is the "Disabling Gas Firing Weapon" by inventor Adrian S. Ailes, filed in April 1932 and awarded in February 1933. The final of the three is the "Fountain Pen Pistol" by inventor Sol H. Gaylord. The patent application was submitted in July 1954, and awarded in July 1958.
These posters are 11" by 17" and printed on heavy 65-lb paper for a memorable texture and durability. All printed posters are sourced from a small, local family-owned business. Each poster set is shipped in a 12" x 3" cardboard shipping tube.
