This Mossberg Brownie .22 four-barrel pistol is an unusual piece of early American firearms history, manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons of New Haven, Connecticut.

Introduced in the early 1920s, the Mossberg Brownie is best known for its compact, four-barrel design. Unlike conventional magazine-fed pistols, the Brownie uses a cluster of four fixed barrels and a rotating firing mechanism. Its break-open construction exposes all four chambers for loading and unloading.

This example features dark ribbed wooden grip panels, a steel frame, and a naturally aged metal finish. The manufacturer’s markings read “O.F. Mossberg & Sons, New Haven Conn. U.S.A.” with a separate “Pat. July 27, 1920” marking. The side panel also carries the distinctive Brownie name.

The photographs show the pistol both closed and opened, revealing the four-barrel arrangement. An elongated metal component is pictured separately; its exact function and completeness should be verified before describing it as an included original tool or accessory.

The Mossberg Brownie occupies an interesting place in firearms collecting because of its unconventional mechanical design and its connection to the early history of Mossberg manufacturing.

Pistol Specifications

• Manufacturer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons

• Model: Brownie

• Caliber: .22 rimfire, 22 LR

• Firearm type: Four-barrel pocket pistol

• Action: Manually operated trigger mechanism with rotating firing pin

• Barrels: Four

• Capacity: Four cartridges

• Loading system: Break-open barrel assembly

• Finish: Dark aged steel with gray-brown patina

• Grips: Ribbed wooden grip panels

• Sights: Integral, rudimentary sighting arrangement

• Manufacturer marking: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, New Haven, Conn., U.S.A.

• Patent marking: July 27, 1920

• Approximate production era: 1920s–1930s

• Condition: Used, vintage collectible

• Accessories: Separate metal rod pictured; identification and inclusion to be confirmed

Condition

This Mossberg Brownie exhibits an aged gray-brown metal finish with surface discoloration, scratches, and visible wear. The wooden grips display handling marks but appear intact in the photographs.

The barrel assembly is shown in the open position, displaying four chambers. The photographs do not establish the condition of the bores, firing mechanism, chamber dimensions, or the pistol’s ability to fire safely.

Important: The July 27, 1920 marking is a patent date, not a confirmed manufacture date. The caliber should also be verified before advertising this particular pistol as suitable for modern .22 LR ammunition.