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
Lassence-Ronge
This is a percussion shotgun
signed
Lassence-Rongé in Liège.
Rear
locks.
Behind the bridge there is a branch that must be pressed against the butt so that the hammers can fall. One member of the team managed to find that it was (almost certainly) a French invention, due to Paul-François Cassegrain and Désiré Bidault, armourers and inventors in Paris. They filed the patent in France on December 8, 1860 and in Belgium on December 14, 1860 through Mr. Devos-Vevraert under number 10.077.
Another member of the team found on the web other works by Lassence-Rongé which, according to the “Who's who of the Liège armouring industry”, was/were registered with the Liège proofhouse between 1842 and 1859, but was already reported in 1836. However, another member informs me, their trace can still be found in Vinave d’Ile in Liège in 1862. This will be important for the rest.
Le Jarlier/Buigné places this manufacturer and forbisseur around 1841. “Seen on the blade of a luxury cavalry sword”. I confirm: I know three other blades with this signature, including an “oriental” sword, of the model particularly appreciated by the first Belgian king Leopold I.
The links below give an idea of the production of this house.
According to a member of the team, the weapon had to be destined for a count (notice the nine-ball crown).
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/lassence-ronge-a-liege.html
https://www.proantic.com/display.php?mode=obj&id=508639
https://www.tessier-sarrou.com/lot/93811/9322497?npp=100&
The happy owner noticed an ELG punch on star in oval, that for acceptance until 1893.
The patent dates from December 1860 : it may be
thought that it was a rather late production of the house
Lassence-Rongé,
which was still active in 1862 (see above).
Another explanation could be that the weapon was modified/improved after it was manufactured.
GP with the help of MAX, MD, HPH and PHL.
Lassence-Ronge
Lassence-Ronge, Liège, circa 1840. Octagonal barrels of beautiful rose Damascus with patent breechblocks and microgroove rifling in 12.5 mm calibre.
Each bears the Liège "ELG" mark stamped on the side of the chamber.
Dovetailed nickel-silver front sights.
The inscription "DAMAS TURC" is inlaid in silver on top of each barrel, along with either the number "1" or "2".
Percussion locks engraved with floral designs and each bearing the signature, "LASSENCE-RONGE A LIEGE". Single set triggers.
Walnut half stocks with forearm noses carved in floral designs. Fluted butts. Iron furniture stained grey and engraved en suite.
Length of each 41 cm.
In a felt lined wooden case with brass reinforcements on the corners, and containing a comprehensive, complete set of accessories. The lid has a brass plate with the engraved inscription, "Sir F.W. Dunbar Bart of Boath".
