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
Vivario-Plomdeur
This is a percussion musket that has suffered the ravages
of time, with pitted and corroded metal parts. According to the images provided,
the barrel is likely smooth-bore, but the caliber cannot be determined without
additional information. The weapon is designed to receive a bayonet; its
dimensions are not specified.
There are only scant indications to attempt
identification. Only the Liège proof mark, here ELG on an oval star, in effect
from September 8, 1846, to July 11, 1893, allows us to determine its
geographical origin and a range of manufacturing dates.
The stock is engraved with a monogram featuring the
initials VP surmounted by a crown. Despite their research, the team members were
unable to definitively determine the origin of this inscription (manufacturer?
original owner of the weapon? regiment or organization?). A VP marking within a
circle has previously been attributed, with the greatest reservations, to the
gunsmith Vivario-Plomdeur Nicolas, registered with the Liège proof house from
1836 to 1863, which falls squarely within the period of this weapon. However, it
would be highly risky to attribute this musket to this maker, due to a lack of
any evidence.
In conclusion, this musket was proofed in Liège in the mid-19th century.
However, it is impossible to go further with the identification due to
insufficient information. The initials VP cannot be attributed with certainty at
this time.
Chris, HPH
Vivario-Plomdeur or Verviers-Delvaux
Here is a
nice Lefaucheux-type revolver in 9mm pinfire caliber. It has a copper-colored
engraved frame (in bronze or brass as for weapons intended for the Navy), and
has a cap ring. These characteristics, as well as the precious wood plates that
evoke walnut burl, indicate a weapon of very good quality, even luxury.
Markings:
ELG on an
oval star, proof house from September 8, 1846 to July 11, 1893.
R (or
perhaps K) crowned, inspector's punch from December 30, 1853 to January 26,
1877.
DP 17
under right plate. The number 17 could be a serial number.
NV, NJ
under left plate.
M under
crown or star, difficult to read on the photos. Under the crown, it would be a
punch of the controller from January 27, 1877.
G, 5, 7,
back of the cylinder. The G probably comes from the subcontractor who produced
the cylinder.
The
manufacturer of the revolver is not specified in an obvious way, but the
initials NV may correspond to two listed craftsmen:
1) Noël
Verviers-Delvaux. On the images on the site, we find on the safety systems of
the different weapons of this craftsman a NV (crowned) and on a handle frame a
NV similar to our copy.
2)
Nicolas Vivario-Plomdeur who presents a similar weapon (attributed to him) in
the website.
We find
the G which is certainly the signature of the craftsman of the cylinder.
In conclusion, this beautiful Lefaucheux system revolver
in 9mm pinfire caliber was produced in Liège in the 1860s-1870s like most of its
counterparts, and before 1877. The manufacturer of this revolver, perhaps
intended for a sailor given its frame made of a non-oxidizable metal, could be
Nicolas Vivario-Plomdeur, who was registered with the proof house of the city of
Liège from 1836 to 1863 (with 4 patents for inventions from 1859 to 1868).
However, a manufacture by Noël Verviers-Delvaux cannot be excluded because of
the initials NV used by this manufacturer on other weapons.
Chris, HPH
Vivario Plomdeur Nicolas
I have here a very fine pin fire pistol by N. Vivario – Plomdeur in what seems to be a 13mm caliber. I have never heard of a size between 12mm and 15mm. Have you? As you can see, the 12mm cartridge put into the gun is much too small. The chamber measures 13.7mm. Do you know of any 13mm pin fire cartridges?
CK
Responses:
- The
13mm pinfire ammunition exists but it is very rare!
Responses:
- This
could be a 32-caliber shotgun cartridge! (The 32 calibre corresponds to the 14
mm calibre. The cartridge usually has a length of 63-65 mm and the actual
diameter of the barrel can vary from 12.7 to 13.2 mm).
Vivario Plomdeur Nicolas
It is
about an extractor revolver with six shots of the Parisian arms manufacturer
Charles François GALAND. The barrel and the cylinder separate thanks to the
lower lever also forming trigger guard. (See more complete description on our
site).
The
weapon carry any punch of visible tests !
C.F.
Galand inveteur breveté (Patented Inventor) : It is the inventor of this weapon,
Charles François Galand (1832-1900). He was Parisian : street from Hauteville,
13 and had a factory in Liège street Vivegnis, 296. Mark C.F.G on the gun is
his.
Manufacture d'armes Vivario-Plomdeur à Liège : Vivario-Plomdeur Nicolas was gunmaker in Liege, he was registered with the proofhouse of the town of 1836 to 1863. He deposited 4 patents of 1859 to 1868. Is it the manufacturer of this weapon or only the dealer? Mystery?
GG
Vivario Plomdeur Nicolas
Revolver of the Lefaucheux type of Liège manufacture. The cylinder smooth and is milled notches for the passage of the 6 pins. The barrel is round and is fixed at the console, this barrel does not present any visible front sight. A standard rod “nail” is placed under the barrel and slides in a guide integrated into the console where it is maintained by a small leaf spring. The stick consists of two plates out of wooden of walnut covering the metal handle skeleton. These plates are maintained by two rivet washers with brass ears. The handle ends in a screw with swivelling ball and its ring (lack).
Punches.
The weapon
carries the lawful punches of the proofhouse of
ELG* in a vertical oval: final acceptance of use of 1846 to 1893.
Z crowned: countermark of the controller, of use of 1853 to 1877.
Marks
The weapon carries
various marks which are difficult to identify because there are not writings
allowing the identification!
To know:
VP in a circle: this mark of manufacturer does not appear in any collection, research (first name - name) did not give any result. But does research (name-name) make us discover (in any assumption?) the name of Vivario-Plomdeur Nicolas, registered with the proofhouse of Liège of 1836 to 1863 is completely during the time of this weapon. He is the author of 4 patents relating to the revolvers of 1859 with 1868. That will remain with confirms or to cancel on another weapon?
Other marks: JD - AC - GA - PG. G. are probably marks of subcontractors as that was practiced in arms manufacture inhabitant of Liège.
5: is probably a serial number.
GG
N. Vivario Plomdeur
This lot consists of two identical engraved and gold inlaid Belgian single shot percussion pistols.
The top of the rifled barrel is marked "N.VIVARIO-PLOMDEUR / ARQb DU ROI A LIEGE" inside a wire border, all inlaid in gold.
The number "1" is marked on the barrel underside and breech plug. The frame, lock plate, hammer, trigger guard and buttcap feature an extensive scroll engraving with a unique circle and arrow pattern engraving on the bolster.
The ebony grip is fluted and has a silver thumb shield. The left side of the grip near the frame is inlaid with a scroll silver wire motif. Complete with a contemporary wooden case lined in brown felt and the following accessories: double face shell design powder flask, single round cavity bullet mold marked with the number "081", and a few rounds.
Thanks to "ROCK ISLAND AUCTION" for the pictures.
