The lack of chamber length probably means it was made before 1892. So what can I tell you? Very little: I'm assuming it isn't a muzzleloader but a breechloader, which means it could be as early as 1860-1865, say. There's no indication of chamber length-but that didn't begin until 1892. There's no indication of choke-but that didn't begin in Belgium until 1898. The problem is this mark was used from 1818 (muzzle loading period) until 1893, so that hardly narrows down the time frame. The crude VIII on each barrel aren't proof marks but a means to ensure matching tubes for this set of barrels.Īs for proof marks, the oval with E/LG/* inside makes it indeed Belgian. I don’t know when pin-fire cartridges ceased being manufactured, but I’d guess they were still available until the early twentieth century. The slot for the pin had to be welded up and a firing pin installed. Just as many muzzleloaders were converted to breechloaders-think of the Springfield trapdoor action or the British Snider-many pin-fires were converted to center-fire guns. You can tell an unaltered pin-fire by the vertical slot in the breech extending to the top of the barrel (and, of course, the absence of a firing pin). The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London did much to publicize Lefaucheux’s system. Breechloaders had existed previously, but Casimir Lefaucheux’s 1835 invention of the pin-fire cartridge-a cylinder with a pin extending at right angles to the base which detonated a fulminate charge in the cartridge-quickly led to better breechloading systems and to the development first of rimfire and then of centerfire cartridges.ĭating pin-fire guns: the 1835 date of Lefaucheux’s invention gives us a convenient terminus a quo: if the pin-fire wasn’t invented until 1835, any pin-fire gun cannot be earlier than 1835. Pin-fires represent an important stage in the development of firearms. Greener's The Gun and Its Development, 9th edition (1910):ĭrue, yes, the absence of rifling means that this pin-fire was used for shot. Here's an illustration of early twentieth century Belgian proofs from W. But if the gun is a British or Continental breechloader, it should have proof marks on the water table of the receiver and on the barrel flats near the breech. The US never had a proof house, of course, so you have to rely on maker's names-which may well be deceptive versions of famous makers (Purdie for Purdey, for example)-and addresses (sometimes deceptive, as well). What I first look for are the marks indicating country of origin. As you might imagine, many, many Belgian guns were exported to other countries for resale. Belgian firms could produce whatever was wanted at whatever price point, and the wage structure made their prices lower than their competitors.
That, plus its skilled work force and their comparatively low wages, quickly made Liège a center for gun making. īecause of its deposits of coal and iron ore, industrialization took place early in Belgium. To my knowledge, there isn't a book out that covers European proof marks: If someone knows about such a book, please add a comment with that information. I'll restrict myself therefore to saying something about gun making in Belgium and offering some proof marks. I've owned two Belgian side by sides and two Browning Superposed, so I guess I can say that I have some acquaintance with twentieth century ones, but unlike my posts on antique English shotguns I don't have an antique Belgian one at hand to describe. Establish 1968.A reader has asked me to say something about Belgian proof marks. If you wish to purchase this item please visit our website where you can pay by credit/debit card or bank transfer at not extra charge. No Licence is required in the United Kingdom.
This is an antique weapon and is sold as a collectors item only.
Ref 8542.This is an obsolete antique pistol and is sold as a collectors item only.
In good well used condition and in working order. Octagonal 6 inch barrel with bead foresight and steel ejector rod to the right side. Decorative etching to the frame, cylinder and barrel. Engraving and etching was utilized throughout to help promote the high value of Francotte guns and much of the inherent detail could also be requested by customers. Auguste Francotte set up his Belgian gun works in 1805 and preceded to make pistols of the highest construction. The top of the 6 inch barrel etched A FRANCOTTE BREVETE and the side engraved LEFAUCHEUX BREVETE. A good Belgian 13mm Pin-fire 6 shot revolver by A FRANCOTTE. DescriptionLargest selection of genuine antique weapons for sale in UK.