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
Ghaye Lambert
This is a Colt "Paterson" made in Liège, a slightly later version of those manufactured by Samuel Colt in New Jersey, firing single-action. The trigger falls when cocked.
.36 caliber (?). Based on the hallmarks and markings, which appear to be authentic.
The engraving on the cylinder (hardly visible) could depict a stagecoach robbery (a frequently used theme).
COLT PATENT on the top of the barrel (for payment of a royalty to the owner?)
Perhaps a No. 3 Belt Model from 1838?
Colt Patersons (US Patent No. 138 of February 25, 1836) were manufactured between 1837 and 1841 by Patent Arms Mfg. Co. in Paterson, New Jersey, which went bankrupt in 1842. Patents filed in the United States, United Kingdom, and France (not in Belgium, to my knowledge).
"Samuel Colt traveled to Europe as early as 1835. The Colt Museum displays Paterson-type folding-trigger revolvers, manufactured in Belgium. In 1849 and 1851, and again in subsequent years, Sam Colt visited the continent. Liège was the center of European gun manufacturing. Colt's contracts, or the exact nature of his agreements, with Belgian gunmakers are somewhat obscure."
The gun itself:
ELG over a star in an oval from 8/9/1846 to 11/7/1893 under the barrel and on the side of the cylinder.
I don't see any inspector's marks, perhaps faded on the front of the cylinder and/or not visible in the photos. But also: the inspectors' marks were not officialized until 1853, which could explain their absence. This weapon could therefore be dated between 1846 and 1853!
No. 47 could be a serial number.
This weapon appears to be entirely authentic and period-correct! As for the maker, if the LG located at the front of the cylinder are initials, I would venture Lambert GHAYE.
Indeed, this was a gifted craftsman, a gunsmith-mechanic, based in the Faubourg St. Léonard area of Liège. He filed 13 patents in Belgium between 1855 and 1872 for various inventions and improvements to firearms and bladed weapons.
He signed Lt. GHAYE on the weapons resulting from his patents, and LG can be found on various parts.
HPH
