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
Guerreiro Alexandre
This is a rather
impressive, rather unusual revolver, in 12mm pinfire caliber, presented with its
French-style case containing a cleaning rod and a cartridge compartment. It is
equipped with a device, innovative for its time, allowing the cylinder to tilt
to the right for loading and unloading.
It is clearly a
robust and high-quality weapon, designed for regulatory use, particularly with
its cap ring.
Markings:
ELG in oval over a
star (cylinder): proof house mark from September 8, 1846, to July 11, 1893.
Number 430 on the
right side of the frame: serial number.
Number 3889 on the
right side of the frame.
Letter N
surmounted by a crown: control mark from December 30, 1853, to January 26, 1877.
Italian system,
right side.
G Inv BR patented,
right side.
This is
therefore a revolver known as the "Italian Guerriero System."
This model has been the subject of
several studies, and its genesis is well known. A copy is visible on the
website.
The
following comments are reported there (by AD):
"The patent for
this weapon was filed in Belgium on October 3, 1865, by E. Breuer. But in fact,
this weapon was invented by Alexandre Guerriero and constitutes an "improvement"
of the Lefaucheux system. He entrusted Breuer with the manufacture of this
weapon, so we can assume that he gave him authorization to file the patent in
his name. Since Alexandre Guerriero was Italian, this weapon will be called the
"Italian revolver." The system with a falling cylinder and a hinged rear section
is particularly ingenious. But the French authorities saw too many drawbacks in
it, and despite its interest, this weapon was therefore not chosen for the
army." »
Extensive
information can also be found online, see (by Jean-Pierre Bastié):
https://academiedesarmesanciennes.fr/n15-_-le-revolver-guerriero-pistolet-1733-signe-penel/
The magazine
"Gazette des Armes" also devoted a very comprehensive 3-page article to this
weapon (by Jean-Pierre Bastié, No. 227, pp. 33-35).
In conclusion, this ingenious
revolver was initially designed by the Italian engineer Alexandre Guerriero,
Count of Saint-Ange, who patented his invention between 1860 and 1866 in Italy,
Great Britain, France, and Belgium. Unable to produce his own revolver, he
entrusted its manufacture to the Liège gunsmith Eugène Breuer. Designed to
compete with the Lefaucheux revolvers, it did not achieve the expected success
with the French military authorities. The Guerriero revolver was typically
manufactured between 1865 and 1870.
Chris, HPH,
Alberto
