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
Marechal Vervier Michel
Here’s a very classic
hammerless revolver
(also known as “hunchback”) with folding
trigger, almost new, despite its age (it is probably a hundred years old...)
made in Liège.
His little case obviously kept it well!
The caliber of this five-shot revolver, according to the proud owner, is about 8
mm: it could just as well be a .320 or even a 7.65 since the gun has been tested
for live powder. But usually, the caliber (6.35, 7.65...) is mentioned on the
right side.
The markings
ELG on star in crowned oval: accepted, in force since 1893;
AD under star: countermark of a controller, in effect since 1877;
Lion on PV: smokeless powder test, in force since 1898;
R crowned: barrel, in force since 1894.
We also see right side M (or N ?) V Bté.
Several possibilities:
Michel
Maréchal Vervier: registered at the Liège proofhouse between 1909 and
1933; he filed about ten patents, but at first glance none of them concern the
machine in question;
Michel Vervier-Nizet: rue Tête-de-Boeuf 13 in
Liège, but since his period of activity is between 1871 and 1876, he is not
relevant;
Noël Vervier-Delvaux: armourer in Wandre, from
1892 to 1909 he filed fourteen Belgian patents, mainly for revolvers and
especially for collateral. These are not applicable here since this revolver
does not have any.
The mystery remains...
GP and the whole team.
