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
Léopold ANCION-MARX
Here is a small revolver of Liège origin in 8 mm caliber. It is based on the architecture of the Bull Dog and RIC revolvers, a system invented in the mid-19th century by the Englishman Webley in Birmingham.
However, these revolvers were designed for black powder ammunition (generally .450, .442, .380 or .320), while this one uses smokeless powder.
Indeed, the invention of this modern explosive by Paul Vieille in 1884 made black powder fall into disuse. From 1886, the French army used it in the Lebel rifle, before it became widespread internationally.
In the field
of handguns, the French Model 1892 ordinance revolver benefited from 8 mm live
powder ammunition. Manufacturers of weapons for the civilian market therefore
quickly turned to adapting small revolvers for this modern ammunition. For
example, at the beginning of the 20th century, the Manufrance catalog offered a
range of so-called "reinforced" revolvers in 8 mm caliber ("L'Agent," "Le
Municipal," etc.), intended for civilians but also as "backup" weapons for
professionals (military and law enforcement) already equipped with an orderly
revolver.
The example
examined here has a bronzed finish. It is equipped with an octagonal barrel and
a square grip with a cap ring. The cylinder has five chambers. More unusually
for this type of pocket weapon, it is equipped with a safety system on the right
side of the frame. This consists of a safety screw that allows the cylinder to
be rotated only by pulling the trigger without triggering, or to lock the
trigger if the hammer is cocked. This device is reminiscent of the Abadie
system.
All
indications point to a simple, good-quality, reliable, and well-preserved
weapon. Markings:
ELG in oval
under a crown: Liège proof mark, post-1893.
"Cast Steel"
on the barrel band.
Number 6 (or 9
depending on the reading direction), rear of the cylinder.
R under a
crown, right side of the barrel: Verification mark for rifled handguns, in
effect from 1894 to 1968.
AC under a
star, right side of the barrel and frame, rear of the cylinder: Inspector's
mark, post-1877.
TL, EN, and PW
under the grips: subcontractor marks?
Initials LAM
on the left side of the frame: initials of the maker Léopold Ancion MARX,
proofed from 1890 to 1979 and listed on the website.
In conclusion,
this is a 5-shot 8mm revolver, based on the RIC system architecture and produced
by the Liège firm of Léopold Ancion Marx after 1894, according to the hallmarks.
Chris, HPH
Ancion Marx Bull dog
Small Bulldog type revolver, centerfire, 6 shots, cal. 320 by the “Manufacture d’armes L. Ancion-Marx” (LAM) (founded in 1890), Smith & Wesson type grip made of gutta percha , axial safety, black finish, folding trigger without trigger guard .
Manufactured between 1897 and 1920
This model was available in black or nickel plated, in cal. .320 (Prices Ca.1910)(7,90 BEF=US $ 0,23) and .380 (8,25 BEF=US $0,24), with or without axial safety (additional charge 0,60 BEF), with or without engraving (additional charge 0,50 BEF); the 380 supplied upon request with or without trigger guard.
A French firm manufactures the necessary to reload this type of ammunition.
Look at here: H & C Collection
