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
Francotte "Kammerlader"
Summary of the
translation of literature on Kammerladers by Pål (Paul):
Model 1842
The first contact
with Liège was established by the director of the Norwegian arms factory in
Kongsberg. His name was Meyn. He contacted the merchant Schreiner in November
1841 to be his agent in Liège. Schreiner recommended the renowned company
Auguste Francotte & Cie. During the summer of 1842, Captain Scheel traveled to
Liège to negotiate.
Between 1843 and
1844, AF manufactured 100 rifles.
Model 1846
The new model was
the 1846. 1,500 were ordered from Francotte. This model was manufactured between
1846 and 1847. Many of them also bear the mark G:Decortis (if I am not mistaken,
he was a gunsmith in Liège).
Model 1849
A new order for
2,000 Model 1849 rifles was placed with the Francotte factory around 1850-1853.
The Swedish Navy
had a contract with P.J. Malherbe for percussion rifles. They also produced
approximately 500 "kammerlader" type cannons for the Swedish Navy.
In 1855, almost
all Norwegian "kammerlader" rifles were modernized, switching from round to
pointed projectiles. All received new sights and a brass screw on the stock for
positioning the peep sight. Since then, the Air Force models have carried the
Norwegian designation:
Model 1842/55
Model 1846/55
Model 1849/55
The one shown here
is model 1849/55, number 1415, from the order of 2,000 pieces.
It bears the
inscription "SMC D73."
This is the
designation of the “Stavangerske nasjonale Musketer Corps (SMC).”
D73 corresponds to
inventory number 73 of the Dalernes Company.
The 1849 order was
therefore for 2,000 weapons. Only the Liège/Francotte weapons bear the Lion
mark. Furthermore, the crowned S appears only on the Liège examples.
The stock was
probably changed from walnut to birch when it was converted to fire pointed
bullets in 1855. It is unusual that the barrel does not bear the indicated proof
marks. Perhaps it is a replacement barrel?
Norwegian
publications on this subject indicate that all transactions were conducted with
Francotte, who manufactured all the weapons. Decortis is listed as a supplier of
cannons. More specifically, it is described as "primarily known for supplying
cannons."
Decortis may have
manufactured some parts. But all three contracts were concluded with the
Francotte company.
Pål
