dictionary / concealed pistol

Automatic pistol, concealed in a book, possibly one which had been the property of Sir Thomas Grattan Esmonde (of the Irish Parliamentry Party) and left in the Gresham Hotel whence it came into the possession of donor's father, who worked in the hotel at the time. The book an 1828 edition of Noel and Chapsal's NOVEAU DICTIONAIRE DE LA LANGUE FRANCAISE bears the book plate of John. H. Talbot of Talbot Hall and a manuscript list of his children dated 10 Feb. 1831. The automatic - without magazine - is a 6.35 Express. The book was covered by wrapped paper on which is a Gresham Hotel label addressed to "Miss K. Mullen c/o Mr. P. Kingsbury (To be held").;