Need help on identifying Belgian pistol with ELG proof

[wojo65]

I need help in identifying this pistol handed down in our family. I know it is Belgian from the proof mark on the cylinder buts thats about all. There are a couple of other marks on the cylinder which need to be identified. Any feedback or history on this gun would be greatly appreciated! There is no serial number or caliber indication as well. I will upload some pics to help

 

[luger fan]

Looks well made, nice detail. Should PROBABLY be a .38 S&W.

 

[wojo65]

I need help in identifying this pistol handed down in our family. I know it is Belgian from the proof mark on the cylinder buts thats about all. There are a couple of other marks on the cylinder which need to be identified. Any feedback or history on this gun would be greatly appreciated! There is no serial number or caliber indication as well. I will upload some pics to help

I forgot to attach this pic of intials that are stamped on top of the receiver, don't know if this was a custom gun for someone and the owners initials?

 

[wojo65]

Looks well made, nice detail. Should PROBABLY be a .38 S&W.

Agree and wouldn't that be nice! The engraving is well done in my opinion.......

 

[22250Rem]

I'm no expert on this subject but I have discovered that researching Belgian guns can be very frustrating. Over the years I've tried researching a couple of Belgian shotguns that didn't have much more than just Belgian proofs on them and found it very difficult. With all the collective knowledge that shows up here at THR would this thread be better off in the " Firearms Research" section?....... That's my wild guess. That is a nice looking, well engraved piece..... Looks like it would be worth getting some info on it.

 

[wojo65]

Thats a great idea! I am new here so I wasn't aware of that section but did see it now. Thanks for the advice! I will post over there, yes it is a nice piece. The back story is my brothers wife had it given to her by her uncle, he was in WW2 and over seas when he acquired it. Won it in a poker game!

 

[Jim Watson]

Beats me.
Zhuk has three pages of Belgian topbreaks, the majority "maker unknown."
The identified guns were made either by Ronge or Auguste Francotte.
AF might be A. Francotte or dealer Adolf Frank or the original owner Albert Fricklehauser.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

That's reminds me of a black powder Iver Johnson except for the trigger. Put a set of Owl grips on it and except for the trigger and the engraving it could almost pass for one.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I forgot to attach this pic of intials that are stamped on top of the receiver, don't know if this was a custom gun for someone and the owners initials?

AF ? Maybe Armored Farmer could pipe in..........I understand he is a certified gun nut! (Sorry, could not help myself)

 

[wojo65]

That would be great, need all the help I can get from the experts! I have spent hrs searching on the net but come up short on any information or pictures...

 

[wojo65]

Would appreciate any input or direction from the experts, I am at a dead end on my search........I should also post the pics of the holster for the gun

 

[243winxb]

Try here.

http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/a a site belge gb.htm

My computer translated. [email protected]

AF = Auguste Francotte

This last began its career with very good copies (on the basis of licence) of revolvers Adam, Tranter, Smith & Wesson.

http://littlegun.be/arme belge/artisans identifies francotte/a francotte gb.htm

 

[243winxb]

http://littlegun.be/arme belge/artisans identifies francotte/a francotte revolver gb.htm

 

[Jim Watson]

Try littlegun.be
Lots of odd guns.

 

[Sistema1927]

That's a pretty little thing. Caliber? .38 S&W?

 

[Sistema1927]

None of those in post #13 are top breaks.

I am guessing that AF are the owner's initials.

 

[243winxb]

None of those in post #13 are top breaks.

http://littlegun.be/arme belge/artisans identifies francotte/a francotte revolver pryse gb.htm

 

[wojo65]

#391 looks to be the most similar, i do see a difference in the hammer style and grips. I am wondering if this could have been a custom gun for someone? Especially since it is heavily engraved. I really appreciate all the help with this piece...........

 

[wojo65]

Try here.

http://www.littlegun.be/arme belge/a a site belge gb.htm

My computer translated. [email protected]

AF = Auguste Francotte

http://littlegun.be/arme belge/artisans identifies francotte/a francotte gb.htm

Thanks for the link and the"AF" referance, I plan to go through and better understand what I have, appreciate everything!

 

[wojo65]

I do not know the caliber, still trying to get some History on the manufacture and dateline.

 

[243winxb]

Request from [email protected] I emailed him.

Is it possible to have pictures of the other side of the entire weapon, and of the metal under the plates of grips ? Frame markings.

 

[Odd Job]

Another option is to email the Leeds Armouries. They have one of the biggest collections of firearms anywhere (and very knowledgeable experts too).

 

[wojo65]

Request from [email protected] I emailed him.

Here are what O see, there really isn't any other markings on the frame.

 

[wojo65]

Another option is to email the Leeds Armouries. They have one of the biggest collections of firearms anywhere (and very knowledgeable experts too).

Thanks, I'll look them up as well!

 

[243winxb]

Sent all photos to the email address. He got them. Wait to see if he finds anything.