Guardian Model of 1878 9mm

[SC_Slowhand]

I just acquired this Guardian Model of 1878 made by Clement & Fagnus Co. 9 mm. I know what a Lefaueux Style looks like. LeFaucheux was a French arquebusier who invented the pin fire ignition system. I've done some reading on pin fires and appreciate their history and development.



It's in great shape.



The Gun Broker Pictures did her no justice. These are mine.



I've done my research she has the Liege Proof marks on her. The Oval with the E, L, G, * Star. With no crown. a * U Inspector mark. Made before 1892. Between 18 Aug 1818 - 11 June 1893.



I figured out awhile back converting a color photo to black and white has advantages.



No available references towards disassembly. I have David R. Chicone's Books "Gunsmithing Guns of the Old West" and "Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly" nothing listed there. I figure the two screws that hold the barrel on should be a start. The grips should come off easy enough. But after that.... it could get rough.

So other than an E Book does anyone know of a reference for this piece of history? A good old fashioned paper reference?

 

[potmetal]

I can't help you with any reference, just wanted to say, that is one cool looking old gun. It's seen alot of history in it's days, if only they could talk.

 

[SC_Slowhand]

Taking a closer look!




I removed the two screws as indicated above. I then used a brass punch to pop the barrel off. Unlike some Colts the ejection rod alone wasn't going to do it. I then took the grips off.



The next step would be to remove the two screws holding the Trigger Guard on. Take note of the 3rd screw just behind the trigger.



There is no screw retaining the flat main spring in the grip. The spring is retained against the hammer by the 3rd screw as can be seen at the top of where the spring fits into the frame. Pulling the hammer back to full cock results in the trigger coming back just short of the rear of the trigger guard and she’s ready to go.

I suspect the 3rd screw behind the trigger presses the spring against the frame. There is a small plate inserted into the frame, just behind the trigger. The insert should then come out.

Removing the screw should release the tension and allow removal of the flat spring. .

The next step would be to use a punch and remove the pin located just above the trigger. With the hammer forward the trigger should pull right out.

Next would be the removal of the screw located just below the hammer on the frame. At this point the hammer could be removed. The ejector rod assembly would be last.



But that's not going to happen today. I'm going to clean the barrel and the rest of the weapon thoroughly and reassemble her until a later date. Although the exterior is in great shape, the interior as shown needs some work.

I'm still looking for some references and tech information on how to continue past this point. So I'll leave it at a basic field cleaning for now.