Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman, and many others, are in this book “Liège Gunmakers through their Work. 1800 - 1950”.
For more detail see: LIEGE GUNMAKERS
Charlier Charles
An interesting rifle-revolver with percussion,
calibres and dimensions not communicated, more than probably work of
Charles
Charlier of Wandre like say the signature.
Along the
barrel on the left is a system of depression of the balls in the cylinder.
There is
only one punch, visible and located in any case, ELG in an oval, is acceptance
between 1846 and 1893.
According
to the drawings of the patents in our possession, the weapon could concern
patent 5499 of January 30th, 1858, itself an improvement of patent 5285 of the
December 1st, 1857 bearing on a system of armament by the trigger. But without
having the weapon in the hands, it is difficult to come to a conclusion about
the use and the function of the parts located under the barrel.
We
recognize humbly that we do not see the relationship with a system of armament
by the trigger…. That resembles rather a system of assembly and fixing of the
barrel to the frame which allows disassembling for the cleaning of the parts
after the shooting. There is thus no certainty.
Charles
Charlier,
arms manufacturer with Wandre, deposited eleven patents between 1847 and 1867
and two others with other arms manufacturers (Decortis
and
Demeuse).
GP
Charlier Charles
Photographs of the "Charlier" in the Liege Arms Museum (reference 2650 FA6).
The Charlier system, gun manufacturer in Wandre, could be based on his patent 5285 of the 2/12/1857 for a cocking system by the trigger applicable to the pistol-revolver (percussion).
I am unaware if he deposited other patents, it is only one of which I have copy with his name.
The essential difference with the other "Charlier", photographs of which are low on the page, is the toothed rack driven by the trigger guard (6 shot, cal. 9 mm, smooth bore octagonal barrel).
Origin: it comes from the personal collection of Auguste Francotte (hence the presence of the Crown/"AF"on the grip), it was acquired on June 1, 1891 from A. Francotte for 100 Belgian francs (2,50 Dollars !). It is dated 1854 (?)(Manufacture) in the Liege Arms museum files.
Markings: Under the barrel "CH Charlier breveté"
Crown/D on the left of barrel and back of cylinder.
ELG on star in an oval atthe back of the cylinder.
Characteristic: The barrel is engraved with a scene representing 4 Indians chasing a white man (as far as one can guess) and oddly enough ''Colt Patent".
HPH
Concerning
Charles
Charlier, a small clarification on the
marking in an oval of an "AF under crown" surmounting a small number 4.
All the arms of
Auguste
Francotte's personal collection (from other
manufacturers, Belgium and abroad) were stamped with this marking meaning: "4"
(4 = For or four) i.e. "for
Auguste Francotte"
(this very current style figure must have a name that I don't know).
A play on words used by our august
Auguste
Francotte, more than one hundred and thirty
years ago.
HPH
Charlier
Revolver CHARLIER, damage of the absence of photographs of the punches. The manufacturer is probably CHARLIER, Charles of WANDRE. He deposited 7 patents of 1847 to 1861. CHARLIER, Charles of WANDRE took patents of 1847 to 1867.
It worked with arms manufacturers DEMEUSE D and DECORTIS.
It seems to have continued its activity later since the weapon in photographs carries the mark of the controller (Gr.) surmounted of a star (from the 27.07.1877) whereas before the letter was surmounted by a crown!!
Photographs nicely received of Chris Reid (USA)
