Need Help to Identify - The Firearms Forum

whr_iii · 04-13-2011, 05:28 PM

Hey All,
New user so apologize ahead of time if I am starting this thread incorrectly. Inherited this pistol from my father and I, like he, are totally at a loss to figure out make, model, manufacturer, year, etc. Any and all help appreciated.

Entire pistol is of unknown metal. Trigger folds. Is a double action. Bore measures approximately 5/16". No identifiable manufacturer markings, SN, etc. outside or even inside the grips. Guessing centerfire based on cone style hammer. If additional info is needed, please let me know.

BETH · 04-13-2011, 05:31 PM

welcome to the forum i am waiting with u to see what it is

hrf · 04-13-2011, 06:57 PM

European pocket or boot revolver, probably .320 caliber. Most are Belgian, but if truely unmarked might be Spanish. Have you checked the rear face of the cylinder? Look for the ELG in an oval Liege proofmark between two chambers.

whr_iii · 04-13-2011, 07:56 PM

Flipped open chamber cover. Spun cylinder and did not note any stampings or markings either on rear of cylinder or on cylinder cover. Rear of cylinder very heavily brushed. Also noted that appears the cylinder appears to be "lipped" leading me to believe the rim of the inserted round was intended to sit flush with back of cylinder or at least slightly recessed.

hrf · 04-13-2011, 08:41 PM

Then I vote for anonymous Spanish manufacture, as proofing in Spain was not mandatory until 1923, and lacking a maker's mark or name, it's unlikely you will ever know more.

Here's a similar Spanish example, in the earlier pin-fire style:

http://www.littlegun.info/arme%20esp...teban%20gb.htm

RJay · 04-13-2011, 09:27 PM

These type of revolvers were made in great quantity for sale both in Europe and the U.S. Very inexpensive at the time , they sold mail order for only 2 or 3 dollars. The engraving is not top notch and is referred to as bench engraving done on the assembly line bench while they were being assembled. Because there are no records of these guns one can only guess at the date of manufacture. I would guess late 1890 or early 1900s. Belgium was the prime maker of these imported guns but Spain also is a suspect

. I would think the value would be low, it seems to be in good condition, maybe 150 to 200. If I'm too low or too high , someone please post.

Buckshot · 04-14-2011, 01:52 AM

RJay is spot on. Found a couple similar and one identical gun, all identified as Belgium-made. Sold at auction from $110 to $200 depending on condition. (Most of the auctions were 3-4 years old.) Were all .32 caliber.

whr_iii · 04-14-2011, 07:08 AM

Thanks to all for feedback and info. Have a much better feel for period and history of the piece. As I continue to evaluate other inherited pieces I have I look forward to receiving the Forum's input and thoughts.

04-13-2011, 05:28 PM	#1
whr_iii Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 3	Need Help to Identify Hey All, New user so apologize ahead of time if I am starting this thread incorrectly. Inherited this pistol from my father and I, like he, are totally at a loss to figure out make, model, manufacturer, year, etc. Any and all help appreciated. Entire pistol is of unknown metal. Trigger folds. Is a double action. Bore measures approximately 5/16". No identifiable manufacturer markings, SN, etc. outside or even inside the grips. Guessing centerfire based on cone style hammer. If additional info is needed, please let me know. Attached Images -->

04-13-2011, 05:31 PM	#2
BETH Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: naugatuck,Ct. Contributor Posts: 6,668	Re: Need Help to Identify welcome to the forum i am waiting with u to see what it is

04-13-2011, 06:57 PM	#3
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,277	Re: Need Help to Identify European pocket or boot revolver, probably .320 caliber. Most are Belgian, but if truely unmarked might be Spanish. Have you checked the rear face of the cylinder? Look for the ELG in an oval Liege proofmark between two chambers.

04-13-2011, 07:56 PM	#4
whr_iii Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 3	Re: Need Help to Identify Flipped open chamber cover. Spun cylinder and did not note any stampings or markings either on rear of cylinder or on cylinder cover. Rear of cylinder very heavily brushed. Also noted that appears the cylinder appears to be "lipped" leading me to believe the rim of the inserted round was intended to sit flush with back of cylinder or at least slightly recessed.

04-13-2011, 08:41 PM	#5
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,277	Re: Need Help to Identify Then I vote for anonymous Spanish manufacture, as proofing in Spain was not mandatory until 1923, and lacking a maker's mark or name, it's unlikely you will ever know more. Here's a similar Spanish example, in the earlier pin-fire style: http://www.littlegun.info/arme%20esp...teban%20gb.htm

04-13-2011, 09:27 PM	#6
RJay Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,487	Re: Need Help to Identify These type of revolvers were made in great quantity for sale both in Europe and the U.S. Very inexpensive at the time , they sold mail order for only 2 or 3 dollars. The engraving is not top notch and is referred to as bench engraving done on the assembly line bench while they were being assembled. Because there are no records of these guns one can only guess at the date of manufacture. I would guess late 1890 or early 1900s. Belgium was the prime maker of these imported guns but Spain also is a suspect. I would think the value would be low, it seems to be in good condition, maybe 150 to 200. If I'm too low or too high , someone please post. __________________ RonJames

04-14-2011, 01:52 AM	#7
Buckshot Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Southern AZ Posts: 882	Re: Need Help to Identify RJay is spot on. Found a couple similar and one identical gun, all identified as Belgium-made. Sold at auction from $110 to $200 depending on condition. (Most of the auctions were 3-4 years old.) Were all .32 caliber. __________________ United States of America - Born July 4th, 1776 - Killed by 50 million brain-dead zombies November 6th, 2012 Mack: Shame what this town's come to. Charley Waite: You could do something about it. Mack: What? We're freighters. Ralph here's a shopkeeper. Charley Waite: You're men, ain't you? Mack: I didn't raise my boys just to see 'em killed. Charley Waite: Well you may not know this, but there's things that gnaw at a man worse than dying. - Open Range MOLON LABE

04-14-2011, 07:08 AM	#8
whr_iii Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 3	Re: Need Help to Identify Thanks to all for feedback and info. Have a much better feel for period and history of the piece. As I continue to evaluate other inherited pieces I have I look forward to receiving the Forum's input and thoughts.