Seeking Information on old Belgium revolver

[ZBill]

I posted a note on this revolver several years ago and I am still seeking some information if anyone can help. This revolver was brought home by my dad when he returned from WWII. Here are photos of the revolver and stamped emblems/proofs. The inside diameter of the barrel is a bit less than 10mm. It appears to me to be some type of conversion with several non-original parts including the shell ejector assembly. Any input is appreciated. Thank you, Bill

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Try this site for your crown proof mark ID. http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2011/01/testing-firearms-proof-test.html

 

[ZBill]

Thank you Sir

Very helpful. I appreciate the reference.

 

[Jim Watson]

Sorry, generic Belgian is about all I can tell. I cannot now get on the site with some of the more obscure markings.

I doubt that it is "some type of conversion with several non-original parts including the shell ejector assembly", those spindly unprotected ejectors are fairly common on European revolvers.

 

[Kurt S.]

Looks like it could be a Belgian copy of the French officer's model of 1874 of the Chamelot Delvigne revolver:
http://www.revolver1873.fr/revolver-1874.php
However, the Chamelot Delvigne was 11X17R caliber, you are saying your barrel i.d. is less than 10mm...

 

[ZBill]

Corrected barrel i.d. And another stamp

Thanks for the input Mr. Watson and Kurt.

A .41 Magnum bullet is just a tad loose in the muzzle [Bullet diameter‎: ‎410 in (10.4 mm)‎] and the .41 Magnum case [ .434 in (11.0 mm)‎] is a bit large to fit into the muzzle.

Does this pill-shaped stamp ignite any ideas? Thanks again, Bill

 

[Jim Watson]

It probably signifies something, possibly the manufacturer, but I know of no comprehensive database; could not even find the partial one I had used before.

Can you read the letters? I cannot make them all out on the monitor.

 

[ZBill]

The oval appears to contain three letters or digits. The first is a G, followed by a G or C (I think), and I have no idea regarding the third character. I am visiting lots of old European revolver sites and have come up empty so far.

 

[Jim K]

Here is one source; it is for shotguns, but many makers made both shotguns and revolvers.

http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_Trade_Marks.html

Jim

 

[Jim Watson]

On that list GGC is Gustav Genschow Co = GECO.
But that is a German firm.
I guess they could have been selling Belgian revolvers. I have a reprint Alfa catalog and ol Adolf Frank sure had stuff from all over.

 

[ZBill]

Thank you Jim K. And Mr. Watson. I am pursuing the Gustav Genschow Co. angle. They did sell Liege firearms. On target information. Regards, Bill

 

[ZBill]

i think Kurt S. (Post #5) is on target as it being a Belgian copy of the French officer's model of 1874 of the Chamelot Delvigne revolver as I have determined it to be 11 mm. What a great forum! Thanks


http://www.revolver1873.fr/revolver-1874.php

 

[waidmann]

The crowned oval with ELG signifies nitro proof. Absent the crown would be blackpowder.

 

[red_metallic]

I think the French one mated with the Adams below and the Belgian was the result-

 

[Jim K]

The gun makers of Liege were nothing if not flexible. If there was a gun made anywhere that could be copied and sold a bit cheaper, they made it. So, to no one's surprise, Belgian-made guns look a lot like British-made guns, German-made guns, etc. But they got their comeuppance when the Spanish got into the act and started copying Belgian-made guns!

Jim

 

[lewwallace]

That your Adams, red_metallic? Here's mine!