Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman, and many others, are in this book “Ličge Gunmakers through their Work. 1800 - 1950”.
For more detail see: LIEGE GUNMAKERS
HARZE & Cie
This is a flintlock pistol with four barrels and two
hammers and security, signed by
HARZE. The box is
slightly engraved. The grip may not be original because its fit to the box
leaves a bit to be desired.
The only
stamp is ELG on star in an oval: accepted from 1811.
There are
two flat-bodied dogs, and a selector/shutter key on the left that operates two
drums each time two basins containing the primer powder.
Le Jarlier/Buigné reports a
HARZE J.
in Ličge in 1858, but this pistol is far before that date, in any case after
1811. Another version of the same book mentions 1780-1810.
The
Stockel speaks of 1790-1884, as does the “Who is who of the Liege armoury”.
It’s a
pity that we don’t see what follows the signature, under the selection key: it’s
probably “ & Cie”.
GP with the appreciated help of PHL.
HARZE & Cie
The only Harze & cie I can find is a Belgian maker HARZE (de) & Cie (HARZD) Armurier en Belgique en 1780-1810.
and just below
Harze J. Arquebusier a Liege (Belgique) vers 1858.
Stockel mentions
Harze J. Liege/B. 1790-1884. "Fabricant" Possibly father and son
Jas
First photograph: one vaguely sees on the barrel in lower part of name “HARZE” punch ELG. Therefore, Liege (the barrel in any case).
Stöckel gives that a name: Harzé J. in Liege 1790 - 1880 (Father and Son) This name is reproduced on the lock (if the first letter is a H, not very visible on the photograph) So, according to me the gun is completely of Liége origin.
The silver incrustation and the shape of the letters of the text on the barrel are an amateurish work and certainly not in harmony with the quality of the pistol. Thus made subsequently to embellish. Abbreviation “CPN” for “company” seems to me a little odd.
Are the letters on the stick “J and H” or “H and J” coincidence with Harzé J.???
The rod is not original.
The ecu and the currency engraved on the cap are not known to me, but suggest a noble possession in time.
Richard (Belgium)
