His name, George Hyde, didn't mean much to me at the time, but it turns out George Hyde was one of the original designers of the Liberator and this particular pistol turned out to be one of two cut downs that were used at the factory to show military liaisons and plant workers how the thing was assembled and worked.
I wouldn't call it "extremely" rare, but I've only personally seen one other. Gabolindosy Urresti 'Ruby'. Spanish made, and for a time was issued as an officer's sidearm in the French Army. Fires 7.65 Browning or .32 Auto, 9 rd. magazine. This one dates to about 1906-07.
Take a peek at the bottom of your frame and see if there are two stars, one located on either side of the magazine release. These indicate acceptance by, and issue to the French army.
Yup--found em. I was curious what those might be, but finding any info at all about these weird little things is not easy. Thank you!
Not very rare but the rarest that I own - a WWII vintage Webley in .38 S&W.
Pete
smith and wesson 242 one of about 1600
Probably not that rare but I bought it at a moving sale 30 years ago for $50 with a holster and some ammunition.