[Grayrider]

Gents,

I am stumped on this one, but then I am no expert on old French pistols. I have a friend that is wanting to know history/value on an old .22 target pistol. It says on it that it is imported by Winfield Arms Company, but made in France by "MAR". The model is "Le Chasseur". It is a .22 Woodsman-like target pistol with adjustable sights and probably a nickel finish. He thinks it dates to the 1930s. Any ideas?

Thanks!

GR

[KMKeller]

I can't find a bunch on it, although I do see references for WAC standing for either Winfield Arms Co. or Winchester Arms Co. http://www.oaksports.com/PISTOLS/1007FP.htm

[TarpleyG]

French, you say? What do the French need guns for?

GT

[Grayrider]

TarpleyG,

My thoughts exactly! Guess it is from between the wars when they weren't afraid of giving the wrong impression.

:D

GR

[Grayrider]

KMKeller,

That link sure fits his description. I cannot imagine it is worth much given who made it. I have seen some of the French military pistols over the years. Seemed okay, but nothing special.

GR

[Jim Watson]

Not "MAR" but "MAB" for Manufacture D'Armes Automatiques Bayonne. The Le Chasseur and others were sold here by Winfield Arms Co. (WAC) of California from about 1951 til up in the 1960s. Joseph E. Smith's addendum to W.H.B. Smith's Book of Pistols and Revolvers says they are of good quality.

Not in the Blue Book for pricing, but for comparison:
The Le Chasseur is in the 1963 Gun Digest for $37.75 blue 4.5", $45.50 blue 7.5", plated and cased for $44.25 to $55.95. This is in the same price range as Beretta Jaguar, Star Model F, and Unique Corsair European .22s, but way less than Mk II Manhurin Walthers at $79.50 and up.

That year the Ruger Standard was $37.50, the Mk I target $57.50 and the Colt Huntsman and High Standard Sport King were both $54.95.

I doubt The Le Chasseur has kept up in value with the Beretta or the American guns of the time.

[Grayrider]

Jim,

That is what I needed. I will pass the info along and suggest he pass on it. The owner is delusional as to the value as I suspected.

Thanks!

GR

[Frohickey]

It must be unfired. Prolly have a lot of drop marks though. :D

[HBK]

Maybe it's the prototypical French firearm...never fired and only dropped once.:D