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
Pirotte & Fils
Here is a small, single-barreled shotgun in 9mm Flobert caliber. Its barrel is
folding, which suggests that the weapon falls into the category of poacher's
shotguns. Indeed, once folded, it becomes easy to conceal the shotgun under a
coat, for example. The opening mechanism is known as a "snake key." This system
was widely adopted by Liège gunsmiths. Several examples of this type of
poacher's rifle can be found on the website; see, for example:
https://littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20q%20r/a%20robot%20et%20cie%20gb.htm
https://littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20l/a%20leclercq%20joseph%20gb.htm
The weapon appears to be well-made, with a nicely checkered pistol-grip stock. A
few superficial corrosion spots could be effectively removed to restore the
rifle to its original appearance.
Markings:
Perron: Proof mark on the breech tang, which is the mark of the Proof House
inspector (from June 16, 1853, to the present day).
FL.9: Indication of the 9mm Flobert caliber.
ELG on a crowned oval star: Proof House mark, post-1893.
K under a star: Inspector's mark, from January 27, 1877.
4316: Probably serial number.
16: Serial number reference?
A specific marking shows the initials P&F in a horizontal hexagon. A well-known
Liège firm could be the correct one. This refers to Pirlot & Frésart, a company
formed by the partnership between Pirlot Frères and Frésart, which lasted from
1879 to 1890 according to known sources, and was located in Liège at 95 Rue
Saint Gilles. This firm is well listed on the website, see:
https://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20p/a%20pirlot%20fresart%20gb.htm
However, the P&F marking within an irregular horizontal hexagon has already been
encountered and attributed to Pirotte et Fils. PIROTTE, Jacques & Fils, located
on Rue St Laurent in Liège, were registered with the Liège proof house from 1910
to 1962. In 1962, they took over the operations of the BOULANGER arms factory in
Liège. Since a rifle pictured on the website displays both the P&F logo and the
firm's signature, it can be assumed that this is indeed the manufacturer of the
weapon examined here. See the website:
https://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artisans%20identifies%20p/a%20pirotte%20gb.htm
In conclusion, this so-called "poacher's" shotgun, in 9mm Flobert caliber with a
folding barrel, was produced in Liège and proofed after 1893. It is likely that
it was manufactured by the Pirotte et Fils firm.
Chris, PHL, HPH, Alain
Pirotte & Fils
Pirotte Jacques & Fils
Here is a beautifully engraved superimposed rifle,
with a beautiful English butt, from the Liège house
Pirotte & Fils.
It’s from 1948. It’s a pity that the engraver didn’t sign his work.
The
markings
Greek
letter alpha: Annal letter of 1948;
1kg377:
gun weight capable of firing smokeless powders, since 1924;
Y under
star: controller countermark, in use since 1877
Lion on
PV: smoke-free powder test, in use since 1898;
ELG on
star in crowned oval: accepted, since 1893;
Peron:
inspection by the Liège Test Bank;
12 -70 in
coated omega: nominal caliber and length of the socket, in use since 1924;
Falla:
the manufacturer of the guns, Jean -François Jr. , registered at the proofhouse
of Liège from 1945 to 1953;
Demi-Bloc acier martelé CAP J:
probably a
J Cap
manufacturing process taken over by
Falla?
I also
see two unidentified markings:
Banded
bow and arrow in a hexagon (already met)
In a pentagon: it looks like a P and an F:
Pirotte and Son?
The house Pirotte et Fils, 45 rue Saint-Laurent in Liège, dates back to 1910.
GP
Pirotte Jacques & Fils
Rifle FORGERON
The weapon
Although not having all the parameters, it acts in my opinion of a juxtaposed Anson and Deeley express rifle (probably a 9.3 x 74 R), locks hammerless, key top lever, and pistol grip.
The punches
They are very few but belong to the punch proof of Liège is letters PV surrounding a Peron in a crowned oval, it acts of the acceptance of the test to the live powder (1968 until today)
It thus acts of a relatively recent weapon.
The Peron is the punch of the inspection (1853 until today).
Markings
3954: should be the job number
KRUPP LAUFREID is the type of steel used for the barrels.
CAL: should be the gauge of the barrels but it is difficult to read!?
The mark of the small BLACKSMITH (FORGERON in French) leaves me a little dreamer, the firm did not exist any more in 1968 (see FORGERON page on the site). We learn there nevertheless that successors BOULANGER and PIROTTE continued has to use the mark.
Considering the date, it would have acts of a realization of PIROTTE Jacques & Fils Street Saint Laurent, 96 in Liege which took again itself the activity of BOULANGER in 1963.
GG
PIROTTE
The weapon
It acts of a shotgun juxtaposed, hammerless, with centre fire of calibre 12.
The key of opening is of type "key on the top – TOP LEVER".
The grip in drowning is of type "pistol-grip".
The manufacturer.
PIROTTE, Jacques & Fils street SAINT LAURENT in Liege were registered with the bench of tests of Liege of 1910 to 1962. In 1962, they took again the activities of the Factory of weapons BOULANGER in Liege.
PF in a rhombus is the mark of PIROTTE & Fils
SIEMENS MARTIN STEEL is the type of steel of German origin employed with the manufacture of the guns.
MAGI is the mark of the garnissor of barrel MAGILISSEN in Liege.
TRIUMPH does not appear in my documentation.
GG
