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
Galand Charles-François
Revolver "TUE-TUE" (Copy)
This small,
hammerless, break-action pocket revolver is clearly inspired by the Galand
Tue-Tue model. A pusher at the rear of the frame is likely intended to activate
a safety. The caliber of this revolver is not specified, but its small
dimensions suggest a small caliber (6mm Velodog or 6.35mm?). The weapon appears
to be of good quality. Authentic Galand Tue-Tue revolvers are well known and
described on the website.
Marketed at the
end of the 19th century, this model was designed by the gunsmith as a pocket
weapon whose different versions could accommodate the most modern ammunition of
the time: 8mm Lebel, 8mm Tue-Tue (less powerful than the Lebel), 6mm Velodog,
6.35mm, 32 SW, or 7.65mm. Its first mention in a Galand catalog dates back to
1893, and its marketing in various variants continued until the First World War.
See:
https://crimesbelleepoque.over-blog.com/2019/03/revolver-galand-tue-tue.html
Differences with the Galand Tue-Tue:
No manufacturer's
marking, unthinkable for Charles-François Galand!
Rounded grip, not
square like on the "real" Tue-Tue.
Rear safety and
"wavy" frame shape.
Opening by
breaking the barrel downward, a system very rare among "real" Galands.
Markings:
This example bears
the hallmarks of the Liège proofhouse, namely:
PV surmounted by a
stylized lion: smokeless powder proof, in use from 1898 to 1968.
E under a star:
countermark of the inspector after 1877.
Crowned R:
Verification mark for rifled handguns: from January 30, 1894, to February 26,
1968.
ELG over a star in
an oval under a crown (barrel): final acceptance after 1893.
Crowned L on the
rear of the cylinder: attributed to one of the two forges/foundries supplying
the cylinders on demand.
Capital L under
the left plate: not attributed...
In
conclusion, this small Tue-Tue type pocket revolver is a fairly faithful
interpretation of the model designed by Galand at the end of the 19th century.
The data provided does not allow us to identify its Liège maker (in all
likelihood), but the differences from "authentic" models indicate that it was
not Galand himself. Based on the markings and knowledge of the Galand Tue-Tue,
we can safely say that it was manufactured between 1898 and the 1910s.
Chris, HPH
Galand Charles-François
Revolver "TUE-TUE"
