Need help identifying and dating a pistol (warning: pic heavy)

calgaryshooter

calgaryshooter

Regular
Rating - 100%
5   0   0
Location
Calgary, AB
My father purchased a revolver from a sponsor on the board and unfortunately the information they've given him about it seems to be incorrect. From what he can tell it's a Belgian S&W breaktop clone. It's extremely rough with file and toolmarks everywhere. I'm hoping the gurus on CGN will help me get him a manufacturing date and any other information. I've attached a few pictures he took of the markings so hopefully that will help. I'm trying to get a complete picture as well.

IMG_0540_zps595cf8eb.jpg

proofmark1_zpsebcde4bf.jpg

prfmrk2_zps35ddb85d.jpg

pm3_zps2de7174a.jpg

pm4_zps6fe92d10.jpg

pm5_zps4eb36542.jpg

pm6_zps9ef30791.jpg

pm8_zpsc8f28dba.jpg
 
There were untold thousands of guns produced in Belgium for the export trade. Great supplies of iron, coal and low cost labour.
It was very common to produce unlicenced copies of successful designs.
I hope that the pistol was not sold/purchased as an antique, because if it chambers .44-40,it isn't. Based on the proofs, it might or might not be pre-'98.
 
I'll have him check. The only thing I've seen that would be close to size would be the 44 WCF stamp by the trigger guard. I had assumed that was 44 Winchester Center Fire but I'm not 100% sure.
 
The E over L G with the crown is a post 1893 proof mark, if you go on the net you will find all kinds of Belgian gun-makers and pictures of the various guns that they made.
 
Proofmark on cylinder defintely Belgian, denoting "cylinders of revolvers after proof with a load that develops between 30 and 50% excess pressure with semi smokeless powder" or "excess of 30% with black powder loads". Cant help with the other markings.
dB
 
plinker 777 said:
Is that cylinder cracked through?
Click to expand...

That would be the extractor as its in the same spot on 2 different parts of the cylinder. And he did say that its a break-top action.

I would assume the same about the "44 CF W" meaning 44-40 but it will be interesting to see if thats correct. Trying to drop in a 44-40 shell should tell you something as its fatter and longer than just about any other old 44 pistol shell.
 
Thanks for all the great information so far. I'll update once he's had a chance to check the shell fitting. He did say this is probably the roughest looking pistol he's ever owned. Said it looked like it was built in someone's garage with a file and a forge.
 
vagrantviking said:
That would be the extractor as its in the same spot on 2 different parts of the cylinder. And he did say that its a break-top action.

I would assume the same about the "44 CF W" meaning 44-40 but it will be interesting to see if thats correct. Trying to drop in a 44-40 shell should tell you something as its fatter and longer than just about any other old 44 pistol shell.
Click to expand...

Ah, ha! extractor, Thanks much. I see it now. Kinda rough though?
 
I know this is an old thread but I thought I recognized the JBP mark. Perhaps this information will still be useful to the OP.

The JBP in an oval is the same as this one used by Puraye J-B

Also the LL mark is similar to one used by Leon Leclerq but the one listed had a crown over top. The "LL"'s look very similar however. I have heard of Belgian guns having the marks of more than one maker as they sometimes worked together.

The star over AR and Crown over L are likely inspectors marks and information about those has been lost to time (and a fire apparently)

I hope this helps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom