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
Petitjean H.
Here a pistol with percussion with two superimposed
barrels, marked H. Petitjean Liege. It could have been used for hunting to
complete big game. The rather rudimentary manufacturing made me somewhat think
of a manufacturing of the 20th century, but which am I…
Markings
Peron: inspection since 1853
R crowned (if I see well, but I am not sure whole):
countermark of a controller between1853 and 1877
ELG on star in oval: acceptance between 1818and 1893
X under star: countermark of a controller between 1877
and 1968 and
v pennies star: countermark of a controller between
1877 and 1968: there is contradiction with the R crowned mentioned above (in so
far as it is indeed a R crowned of course…)
16.0: diameter of the barrel? To check by the owner
3382: the number of the weapon
I believe to distinguish letters EL, but I am not sure:
it could be a question of the provisional test, since 1852
JD or JF (in a letter) D: undoubtedly the manufacturer
of the barrel; not identified.
The name of Henri Petitjean is included in Jarlier-Buigné and Stockel, but it is about an active arms manufacturer between 1770 and 1790 (even 1799 according to Stockel). What thus does not correspond with the machine presented, since it is with percussion and thus posterior of more than twenty years to the working life evoked above. The known parts of this arms manufacturer are of a definitely higher quality, as one can see them on this page.
A contrario, one of the weapons presented in the link
in question is also a pistol with percussion… but of definitely higher
manufacture.
The purists will have as noticed as Liege east written
on the barrel of this pistol with a grave accent (orthography in force since a
decree of the Regent in 1946), whereas one would have more expected an acute
accent… But it is not that a remark of (old EM…) purist… the more so as it is
well-known that the orthography of the proper names “fluctuated” with the wire
of the centuries, in Liège/Liége too!
In conclusion, doubts remain on the attribution of this
part with Henri Petitjean (fine 18th century). Unless it is about a later
homonym, unknown until now. Or of a skilful forger, using the name of a
well-known arms manufacturer in Liege end of the 18th century, since having
provided weapons to the revolutionists…
GP with the assistance of HPH.
Petitjean
Caliber 14mm
Many thanks to "Comptoir Français de l'arquebuserie" and Serge C. for the pictures.
Photos Alantrigger
Petitjean H.
PETIT JEAN Henri LIEGE 1770 to 1790
Percussion pistol "à cheminées couvertes."
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Pair of flintlock guns, two barrel in table with remainder of gray Damas decoration, drawer assembly, remainders of gold incrustation. Engrave and mark “Henri PETIT-JEAN, arms manufacturer in LIEGE of 1770 to 1790. The aforementioned provides revolted the inhabitants of Liège in 1789. The trimmings are out of silver with decoration of trophies of weapons in engraved relief. Pommels with side ears, burr walnut grip veined with silver nets. GG |
