Alexandre Fagnus was granted a Belgian patent for the mechanism of this revolver on December 15, 1876. It is constructed in such a way that the cylinder is locked when the loading gate is open. The gun is marked under the grips with "C&D" in an oval, and the letters "JD". "C&D" most likely stands for Clement & Dolman, a contractor who made frames for Fagnus. "JD" is likely the mark of Clement's wife and partner, J. Dolman. The design of the gun incorporates a lever on the left side, which releases the cylinder pin and also unlocks the hinged side plate, allowing access to the interior of the gun, similar to the Chamelot & Delvigne Mle1873 French service revolver. In fact, the gun bears resemblance to the French revolver in other aspects as well, including the 11mm caliber. This revolver is also sometimes called a "Maquaire", after the Paris retailer and agent for Fagnus, Amedee Maquaire who tried to secure government contracts for this Fagnus revolver. Maquaire was not successful in France, but managed to sell a .450 version of it to the Danish military in 1880. Collectors may recognize the name of Alexandre Fagnus from the famous "Bulldog" manufacturer "F&C", Fagnus & Clement. Some years after A. Fagnus produced this revolver with contract work provided by Clement & Dolman, the two companies merged to form F&C. The 11mm French Ordnance caliber is about half-way between a .44 and .45 cartridge, and a 44 Russian cartridge will chamber if the rim is slightly thinned.
This revolver is in excellent condition, with a strong, accurate action and excellent, bright bore. The nickel plating is 99% intact and the markings are crisp. The rifling is sharp and there are no signs of erosion. The cylinder indexes and locks properly. The black wood grips (walnut or ebony) are undamaged, with sharp checkering and may have been varnished at some point. A rare European large-frame revolver of excellent quality.
This revolver is in excellent condition, with a strong, accurate action and excellent, bright bore. The nickel plating is 99% intact and the markings are crisp. The rifling is sharp and there are no signs of erosion. The cylinder indexes and locks properly. The black wood grips (walnut or ebony) are undamaged, with sharp checkering and may have been varnished at some point. A rare European large-frame revolver of excellent quality.
