1931 Cal. Stat. 2316–17, An Act to Control and Regulate the Possesion, Sale and use of Pistols, Revolvers, and other Firearms Capable of Being Concealed Upn the Person, ch. 1098, § 1.

... [N]o person who is not a citizen of the United States of America and no person who has been convicted of a felony under the certain laws of the United States, of the State of California, or any state or any other government or county, or who is addicted to the use of any narcotic drug or drugs shall own or have in his possession or under his custody or control any pistol, revolver or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person . . . [a]ny person who shall violate the provisions of this section shall be punishable by imprisonment in the state prison not exceeding five years, or in a county jail not exceeding one year or by fine not exceeding five hundred dollars, or by both fine and imprisonment.