Chapter 2 – Facts and Figures

2.1 Major Characteristics and Unique Features of the „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“

 

2.1   2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.3.1 2.1.3.2 2.1.3.3 2.1.4 2.1.4.1 2.1.4.2 2.1.4.3 2.1.4.4 2.1.4.5 2.1.4.5.1 2.1.4.5.2 2.1.5 2.1.5.1 2.1.5.1.1 2.1.5.1.2 2.1.5.1.3 2.1.6 2.1.6.1 2.1.6.1.1 2.1.7

Major Characteristics and Unique Features of the „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ Introduction Steel and Brass Frames Three Basic Centaure Frames Evolution of the Arbor Hammer Spurs Barrels Barrel Lengths Barrel Diameters Bores, Grooves and Lands Muzzle Crowns Front Sights Front sights – Factory Installed Front sights – Custom Modifications Cylinders Cylinder Shapes Chamber Sizes – Diameters Chamber Sizes – Interior Depth Position of the Ratchet Teeth Grips Backstraps and Butt Screws Notch on Butt Finishes

 

2.1.1

Introduction

 

This newly produced and Colt licensed percussion revolver or “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY” (NMA) of Colt 1860 Army pattern as termed by some was manufactured by Fabriques d’Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) in Belgium. This is the first mass produced clone of the venerable Colt Model 1860 Army of Civil War fame after the Colt Company in Hartford discontinued their making in 1873. Only some 16,000 specimens of the Centaures were fabricated between the fall of 1959 and early summer of 1973.

In the 20th century F.A.U.L. was the corporation succeeding the famous Belgium consortium of seven (7) gun makers around Jean Baptiste Hanquet with the April 1853 license to manufacture Samuel Colt’s cap and ball revolvers (other sources say 1852: COLT BREVETE). This license was never terminated. The proud gun maker’s history of the Hanquet family behind the company goes back as far as to 1796.

 

2.1.2

Steel and Brass

 

F.A.U.L. used high quality forged carbon steel of particular hardness for barrels, cylinders, frames, backstraps, loading presses, etc. Their steel is harder than the steel alloy used for the making of Italian percussion revolver clones! From sometime in 1970 formerly forged parts were cast.

 

2.1_1 Rough cast frame from sometime in the early 1970s

 

2.1_2 Sample found on a Belgian flee market after F.A.U.L. was sold in 1992

 

Only in 1972 a small batch of Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) were fabricated using stainless steel. The stainless-steel alloy used is of the magnetic kind, see chapter 3.2.1.7 for more details.

Triggerguards and front sights of the Belgians were made of brass as were the originals.

 

2.1.3

Frames

 

Our Centaures were built around either 3 or 4-screw frames. If you look on the left side of the frames these screws are (from the left) the 1) bolt, 2) trigger and 3) hammer screw.

The so-called 4th, guiding or shoulder stock screws are located between the trigger and the hammer screw of the Cavalry and Marshal 2nd variation Models only – example #3 of 2.3.1 below.

In addition, the frames differ in the construction of their recoil shields, i.e. with or without notches.

 

2.1.3.1

Three Basic Centaure Frames

 

The vast majority of Centaures was manufactured with what collectors call 3-screw frames. Two such variants are recognized:

1)      3-screw frames „round“ variant“ do not possess the two notches in the recoil shield for the attachment of a shoulder stock. This type of frames was used for the making of the Civilian (chapter 3.3) and the first two variations of the Pocket Army Models (chapters 3.6.2.1 and 3.6.2.2).

2)     3-screw frames with notches in the recoil shield were used for the making of the RNMAs (chapter 3.2), the Marshal Models 1st variation (chapter 3.5.1.1) and the special-order Pocket Army Models 3rd variation (chapter 3.6.2.3).

The third variants come with a 4-screw frames, i.e. all Cavalry Models (chapter 3.4) and the Marshal Models 2nd variation (chapter 3.5.1.2) are equipped with this type of frame. Together with the notches in the recoil shield and the toe on the butt the 4th pair serves to securely attach a shoulder stock.

 

2.1_3 „Round“ 3-screw frame without notches in recoil shield of Civilian 1st variation #C418

 

2.1_4 3-screw frame with notches in the recoil shield of Marshal 1st variation 1st sub-variation #11337

 

2.1_5 4-screw frame with notches in the recoil shield to attach a stock to Cavalry 1st variation 1st sub-variation #F490

 

2.1.3.2

Evolution of the Arbor

 

The majority of the Centaures studied have their arbor fixed in the frame by a horizontal, a few by a vertical, lock pin. You can see the end of the pin when you cock the hammer.

1st Version Arbors: Most early production RNMAs, the Civilians, Cavalry Models 1st variation and Pocket Armies feature an arbor with a separate deep grease groove close to the slot for the barrel wedge. This version is rare in later produced pistols. This usually means a replaced arbor.

This feature is combined with the historically correct square ended bottomed arbor, tight in the hole” like you find in 19th century Colt percussion revolvers.

 

2.1_6 1st version arbor: Square ended with separate deep grease groove

 

2nd Version Arbors: Next in the development from around 1963 was a slightly tapered ended arbor with a separate shallow grease groove, picture below.

 

2.1._7 2nd version arbor: Separate shallow grease groove

 

3rd Version Arbors: Beginning with this version the factory did away with the separate grease grooves. The tip is slightly tapered ended. If these evolutionary steps to the tapered arbor were done to please demanding competition shooters is not known but many of the Belgian Colts were and still are successfully used by target shooters and cowboy action shooters due to their inherent accuracy.

 

2.1_8 3rd version arbor: Without separate grease groove but slightly tapered ended

 

4th Version Arbors: During the later production we find some batches of Centaures with square ended arbors, like the 3rd version without a separate grease groove.

 

2.1_9 4th version arbor: N0 separate grease groove but square ended arbor

 

2.1.3.3

Hammer Spurs

 

That the spurs of the Centaure hammers underwent distinct changes of their contours was realized a few years ago. Pictures provided by the International FROCS community could be studied to establish clusters and patterns. Here are our findings as documented in 2014:

1st Version Hammer Spur: S-shape/curved ridge, curly tip. This is similar to 19th century Colt Armies. Length is ca. 2.12 cm/.835 inch. Transitional versions of the spur approaching the contour of the 2nd version with curved ridge but sharper rounded tips are noted.

 

 

2.1_10 1st version hammer spur

 

2nd Version Hammer Spur: Short straight ridge, sharp round tip. Length ca. 2.12 cm/.835 inch. Transitional versions of the spur approaching the contour of the 3rd version with shorter more curved ridge and sharp round tip are noted.

 

2.1_11 2nd version hammer spur

 

3rd Version Hammer Spur: Straight ridge, sharp thin and flat tip. Length ca. 2.10 cm/.830 inch. Transitional versions of the spur approaching the contour of the 4th version with shorter more curved ridge and flat round tip are noted.

Centaures equipped with this type of hammer spur are advantageous in duelist style shooting.

 

2.1_12 3rd version hammer spur

 

4th Version Hammer Spur: Short straight ridge, flat, round tip. Length ca. 2,19 cm/.860 inch.

 

2.1_13 4th version hammer spur

 

2.1.4

Barrels

 

Of the five (5) basic Centaure models the Regular New Model Army (RNMA), Civilian, Cavalry and the Marshal Model were equipped with an integrated loading press. The rare Pocket Army had to do without. Instead this model was supplied with a heavy duty brass rod to serve as a loading tool.

 

2.1.4.1

Barrel Lengths

 

Most New Model Armies (NMAs) were fitted with 8″ barrels, namely the RNMAs, Civilian Models and Cavalries 2nd variation. Next in length and the only variant known with 7.5″ tubes are the Cavalry Models 1st variation, followed by the Marshals with 5.5″ barrels. The rarest of them all are the 4″ barreled Pocket Armies.

 

2.1_14 8″barrels like on Centaure RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #8706 encountered most often

 

2.1_15 Cavalry Models 1st variation fabricated between 1960 and 1963 were fitted with 7.5″ tubes like this 1st variation 1st sub-variation #F490

 

2.1_16 5.5″ barrels are known from Centaure Marshal Models like this factory engraved De Luxe variant #12696

 

2.1_17 Special order Centaure Pocket Army Models with 4″ barrel without loading levers; they were issued with brass loading rod; pictured 2nd variation #8

 

2.1.4.2

Barrel Diameters

 

Between 1959 and 1973 the diameter of the barrel at the muzzle was increased from 17.20 mm/.675 inch to 17.40 mm/.686 inch.

 

2.1.4.3

Bores, Grooves and Lands

 

The bores of our Belgians have constant twist, shallow rifling and usually 7 grooves and lands. A number of early production pistols with 6 grooves and lands are documented. During the later years of production F.A.U.L. installed 8 groove and land barrels as found in many RNMAs and Marshals of 1972/73 manufacture. They also experimented with 12 grooves and lands!

Barrel groove diameter is .446″.

 

2.1_18 Bores have usually 7 grooves & lands like RNMA #6464

 

2.1_19 Some later production barrels like RNMA #12371 have 8 grooves and lands

 

2.1.4.4

Muzzle Crowns

 

Contrary to Colt percussion revolvers of the 2nd and 3rd generation and most of their Italian replicas the Centaures were furnished with a crowned muzzle. This muzzle crown was modified during the life of the Belgians from an almost flat muzzle crown during the first production runs like original Colt 1860 Army revolvers of 19th century fame to a more or less rounded one.

In the #F11500 serial number range of 1971 a few Centaures were noted with crowned and distinctly „flat-cut“ muzzles.

 

2.1_20 Evolution of Centaure muzzle crowns from left: Almost flat crown of Civilian Model 1st variation #C418 from 1960 vs. rounded crown of 1972 production stainless steel RNMA 7th variation #12307

 

2.1-21 Crowned, distinctly „flat-cut“ muzzle of Marshal 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #F11514

 

A „round“ muzzle combined with a bead front sight is the unique identification mark of the small production run of only some 50 Marshal Model 1st variations from 1971.

 

2.1_22 „Round“ muzzle of Marshal 1st variation 1st sub-variation #11337

 

2.1.4.5

Front Sights

 

The front sight fitted to the Centaures at Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) were made of brass. Currently three (3) types of front sights are documented. Particularly some bull’s eye competitors had their preferrences, however, see custom front sights in chapter 2.4.5.2 below.

 

2.1.4.5.1

Front Sights – Factory Installed

 

Blade Type: Early production New Model Armies – RNMAs, Civilian Models, Cavalry Models 1st variations – had historically correct low profile front sights. At the expense of historical correctness these blades were later increased in height.

In combination with the increased diameter of the barrel at the muzzle this move pleased the competition shooters as it enhanced shooting to point of aim (RNMAs, Cavalry Models 2nd variation, Marshal Models 1st variation 2nd sub-variation and 2nd variation).

 

2.1_23 Low profile blade type of historically correct 1960 production front sight of Civilian 2nd variation #C489

 

2.1_24 High profile blade type of 1971 production front sight of Cavalry 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #F11117

 

Bead type: Only the rare Marshal Models 1st variation 1st sub-variation are equipped with this style of front sight.

 

2.1_25 Bead type front sight: on 1971 produced Marshal 1st variation 1st sub-variation #11327

 

Post type: Has been documented in the special order making of Pocket Army Models only.

 

2.1_26 Post type front sight of Pocket Army 2nd variation #8

 

2.1.4.5.2

Front Sights – Custom Modifications

 

Competition shooters in general and bull’s eye shooters in particular often have their very own ideas about what is best in the front sight department see array pictured below.

 

2.1_27 Factory installed blade replaced by crescent shaped high profile round front sight of Cavalry 1st variation 1st sub-variation #F82

 

2.1_28 Crescent shaped front sight dovetailed on barrel of RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #4601

 

2.1_29 First owner of RNMA 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #2722 liked it tall …

 

2.1_30 … current collector-owner prefers the factory size and „pulled the plug“ so to speak

 

2.1_31 Ramp shaped dovetailed front sight of RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #6150

 

2.1.5

Cylinders

 

Our favourite licensed Belgian percussion revolvers of the Col 1860 Army pattern are recorded with cylinders of visibly different shapes. Other distinct parameters like chamber sizes become apparent only at the shooting range when counting the score!

 

2.1.5.1

Cylinder Shapes

 

During their life cylinders of the New Model Armies (NMAs) were produced with two distinctly different cylinder shapes for the five basic models. They were either

a)     rebated: plain or with naval engagement scenes roll-engraved or factory engraved, respectively, or

b)     fully fluted.

 

2.1_32 Rebated plain cylinder of RNMA 5th variation 2nd sub-variation #11867

 

2.1_33 Rebated cylinder of RNMA 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #2154 with Centaure proprietary naval engagement scene

 

2.1_34 Fully fluted cylinder of Pocket Army 2nd variation #8

 

2.1.5.1.1

Chamber Sizes – Diameters

 

The diameter of the chambers of the Centaure models are adjusted the same as the barrel groove diameter, i.e. .446 inch. This important aspect sets the New Model Armies (NMAs) apart from the Colt 1860s of the 19th century, all modern made cap & ballers made during the 20th century and almost all made after the turn of the 21st century. This is what determines the good accuracy of the Belgians.

The combination of the chamber diameter adjusted to the barrel groove diameter and the shallow rifling mentioned in chapter 2.4.3 adds another desirable feature to the Centaures, namely less gas leakage and better energy transfer if your objective is knock-down power for in your shooting sport!

The recommended ball size is .451″ diameter round ball.

 

2.1.5.1.2

Chamber Sizes – Interior Depth

 

Do you note any differences in the pictures here? Take a closer look: It is the interior depth of the chambers. They do not only seem to have different lengths or depths rather, they actually have as our pard FROCS #18 Lucasia discovered!

 

2.1_35 Large chamber of RNMA #87

 

2.1_36 Mid-size chamber of RNMA #3118

 

2.1_37 Small-size chamber of RNMA #11391

 

To qualify and quantify Lucasia’s observations chambers of different Centaure models, variations and few sub-variations over a wide range of serial numbers and years of production were measured, thanks to the pards and pardettes all around the globe. Measurements taken were

1)      Distance from the rim of the chamber to the bottom/base of the nipple

2)     Distance from the rim of the chamber to the shoulder/step above the base of the nipple.

Mostly the extension pins of (digital) calliper were used for the measurements. “Suspect” or apparently “off” measurements due to different types of nipples installed (3 threads early type, 4 threads “regular” type, 5 threads replacement nipples), obvious tolerances in production, not properly calibrated digital callipers (not “zeroed”) and other erroneous data were excluded from the final math.

It should be noted that the Centaures‘ chambers have this pronounced shoulder or step mentioned before. However, the Belgians used drills with differently shaped tips, from relatively pointed to quite flat, to cut these shoulders. Give or take the fraction of a mite of a millimeter or an inch here are the surprising results:

1)      Distance from rim to base of the nipples is about the same in all models and over all serial numbers, averaging at ca. 33.24 mm/1.309 inch.

2)     Distance of rim to shoulder, however, is a different story. Depending on the depths of the shoulder this determines the volume of the chamber, the charge that can be loaded. Three groups of significantly different lengths (volumes) of the chambers were found and categorized. They can be related to serial numbers and/or year of production.

Large chambers: Found in early production (1959) RNMAs to #2851 (1963) for sure but possibly as high as into the low #3000s. The same applies to Civilians, Cavalry Models 1st variation and Pocket Armies. The distance from the rim of the chamber to the shoulder averages 30.06 mm/1.183 inch (range from 29.08 mm/1.144 inch of #C752 to 30.99 mm/1.220 inch in #87).

The chambers of these early cylinders have the largest capacity of all Centaure pistols.

 

2.1_38 Large chamber

 

Mid-size chambers: Are slightly smaller than the early chambers. Recorded from RNMA #3118 (1964) to ca. #6969 (1967). The transition from the large chambers was probably made sometime in 1964 around #2990.

The distance from the rim to the shoulder averages 27.35 mm/1.076 inch with a range of 25.91 mm/1.020 inch in pistol #5652 to 28.50 mm/1.122 inch of #4601.

Looking at these findings from the shooter’s point of view these chambers have 89 % of the volume of the above early ones! If you need knock-down power in your shooting category like for some CAS stages a Belgian with a cylinder sporting the early or mid-sized chambers is the way to go.

 

2.1_39 Mid-size chamber

 

Small chambers are recorded for RNMA #7037 (1968: lowest S/N) to the end of the production (1973). The change from the mid-size to the small chamber was probably implemented between the end of 1967 and early 1968 around #7000.

The average distance from the rim of the chamber to the shoulder is only 22.75 mm/.896 inch. Distances range from as small as 21.30 mm/.839 inch of #F11117 to as “big” as 23.37 mm/.920 inch of #9934.

All models, variations and sub-variations made during this period have these small chambers, no matter if the steel is of the carbon or stainless alloy kind, cylinder is rebated or fluted, barrel length is 8” or 5,5”, finish is of the blued/cch or stainless look/”in the white” variety. These small size chambers accommodate only 70 % of the powder of the early large ones.

If bull’s eye shooting is your sport or fast CAS stages with light to medium loads under round balls for best accuracy and light recoil, respectively a Centaure equipped with a cylinder with such small chambers is the ticket.

 

2.1_40 Small chamber

 

These three fine drawings demonstrating the different chamber sizes are the work of FROCS #30 Socks. This visualization was first used in the German language Centaure book Centaure oder auch Centennial Army – Mythen, Fakten und Fiktionen with Socks as my co-author. Thanks a bunch, Socks.

Having established these three different sizes of the chamber the question here is about the why? Why did FAUL reduce the depth of the chambers? Why in 2 steps? Has the position of the bolt notch anything to do with these changes? The deepest points of the 6 bolt notches are positioned ca. 32.75 mm/1.289 inch from the rim of the cylinder towards the nipples, on the exterior of the smaller, rear portion of the cylinder. But their square cuts begin already ca. 29.55 mm/1.163 inch and end ca. 35.95 mm/1.415 inch from the rim. That would place part of the notches over the rear portion of the early large chambers, would weaken the chamber walls there. Through the change to the mid-size and later to the small chambers these bolt notches were now safely behind the chambers.

And there is something else. Above measurements compared to chambers of a 1st generation Colt Army #4553 provide another perspective. Disregarding the fact that Colt Army .44 cal. chambers might have a marginally greater diameter than the Centaures in our specimen from the Civil War era the distance from the rim to the piston base is 33.60 mm/1.323 inch. This is close to what you find in your Centaure namely 33.24 mm/1.309 inch. But here the similarity ends because the Colt does not have a shoulder like the Centaure, just a small radius which begins ca. 2.00 mm/.079 inch above the base of the chamber! In other words this Colt Army has an even bigger chamber volume than the early Centaures and 6 weak spots in the rear portion of their chamber walls!

So, one could speculate that the smaller Centaure chambers compared to the 1st generation Colt Armies were a safety measure introduced by the Belgians to offset advances in 20th century black powder technology?!

“If you measure this distance on the exterior of the cylinder starting at the rim and going toward the nipple, you will find that the distance from the rim to be beginning of the rebate shoulder is exactly the same as the interior depth of the chamber from the rim to the shoulder” notes Chain-Fire and continues:

„Therefore, it is my assumption and belief that this chamber design was developed to strengthen the rebated portion of the cylinder – thus preventing burst cylinders in this area. This feature may have proven particularly beneficial for fluted cylinder chambers which have especially thin chamber walls in this area.”

 

2.1.5.1.3

Position of the Ratchet Teeth

 

This was changed during the production life of the Belgians for reasons unknown today.

In later production models the ratchet teeth usually line up centered on each nipple. This is observed from ca. #3000 or around 1964, whereas they were rotated clockwise a good amount in early RNMAs, Civilian Models, 1st variation Cavalry Models and Pocket Armies.

 

2.1_41 Ratchet teeth early type of RNMA #1790

 

2.1_42 Ratchet teeth later type of RNMA #10137

 

2.1.6

Grips

 

The grips of the Centaures, mostly wooden grips for that matter, are of the historically correct one-piece kind. Most models left the factory with an oiled finish under a layer of protective shellac for the shipment. On the other hand most of the Civilian and Pocket Army Models are recorded with varnished wooden grips.

 

2.1_43 Typical one-piece walnut grip with oil finish of FROCS Special former RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #11477

 

2.1_44 Typical one-piece varnished walnut grip of Civilian #C418

 

From 1971 Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) optionally assembled regular production RNMAs and Marshals with a silverish Centaure logo medallion inlaid in the upper end of both grip panels for European customers. This enhancement is often found in factory engraved specimens in De Luxe and Super de Luxe style, too.

 

2.1_45 Typical one-piece oiled walnut grip with Centaure medallions on both sides of De Luxe factory engraved Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #12688

2.1_46 Close-up of optional medallion

 

RNMAs factory engraved in Presentation style were fitted with plain one-piece ivory grips.

 

2.1_47 Typical one-piece ivory grip of RNMA 5th variation 2nd sub-variation #12422 factory engraved in Presentation style

 

2.1.6.1

Backstraps and Butt Screws

 

1st or Early Version Backstraps were welded together from two parts with the buttsrap bent-over, no matter if they had buttstraps with or without toes. They were fitted to all Centaures until sometime in 1970. All Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) to approx. serial number #9400 – highest serial number currently documented is #9281 – feature such early backstraps, ditto all Cavalry Models 1st variation as well as all Civilian and Pocket Army Models.

2nd or Late Version Backstraps were cast. F.A.U.L. started to use this type once the stock of early version backstraps was used up. The Centaure with the lowest serial number currently documented and sporting this late version backstrap is RNMA #9532 also from sometime later in 1970. All later production RNMAs, all Marshal and Cavalry Models 2nd variation were fitted with these 2nd version backstraps.

 

2.1_48 Comparative views of backstraps from left: 1st or early version backstrap of RNMA #6374 vs. 2nd or late version of RNMA #13859

 

2.1_49 Comparative views of buttstraps from left: 1st or early version of RNMA #6374 note small size font, manually stamped MADE IN BELGIUM mark applied after bluing of the pistol vs. 2nd or late version of #13859 note mark is integral with casting process

 

In early 2018 U.S. FROCS #14 Chain-Fire discovered two different sized screws were used by the Belgian factory to connect backstraps and triggerguards of our favorite percussion revolvers. Centaures of the production period until the end of the 1960s have head diameters of an average of ca. 7.47 mm/.294 inch and thread diameters of 4.78 mm/.188 inch i.e. 1st version or small screws.

Comparative measurements for the 1970s are head screw diameters‘ of an average of ca. 7.96 mm/ .313 inch and thread diameters of 5.75 mm/.227 inch, i.e. 2nd version or beefy crews. This implies small or 1st version screws were used in all RNMAs assumingly until sometime in 1969, all Civilian and Pocket Army Models ditto all Cavalry models 1st variation.

 

2.1_50 Comparative view of butt screws‘ heads and threads from left: 2nd version vs. 1st version

 

The highest serial number of an RNMA recorded with the small butt screw is currently #8706 built in 1969. Chain-Fire found beefy or 2nd version screws in all RNMAs from some time in 1970 with the lowest serial number currently recorded being #9532, and in all Marshal and all Cavalry models 2nd variation. Production of the latter commenced in 1971 only.

 

2.1.6.1.1

Notch on Butt

 

RNMAs sport 8“-barrels and the so-called 3-screw frame with two notches in their recoil shields for the attachment of a shoulder stock. Many Centaure models share these general characteristics, plus a buttstraps with a notch. Quite a few, however, are found without this toe on the butt. IMHO the backstraps sans notches are left-over parts from the early 1960 Civilian Model and special-order Pocket Army projects. They were later fed into the production of the RNMAs. Please also note these backstraps without the notch are of the 1st early i.e. welded/bend-over version (chapter 2.1.6.1 above).

Cutting down on inventories is considered good housekeeping practice in line with old Samuel Colt’s fashion to use all available parts left over wherever possible. I consider them a sub-variation of the Regular New Model Army which can add to the joy and pride to the Centaure collectors.

 

2.1_51 Notch on butt of RNMA #M4 for the attachment of a shoulder stock

 

2.1_52 No notch on butt of RNMA #8706

 

2.1.7

Finishes

 

The usual finish was a bluing process resulting in a deep gray-black luster in RNMAs and Cavalry Models but a deep blue-black in Civilian Models and Pocket Armies 1st and 2nd variation. The bluing was applied to barrel, cylinder, back strap, plunger, wedge and screws whereas frame, arbor, hammer and loading press received a color case hardening.

In 1967 F.A.U.L. started trial production of Regular New Model Armies in high gloss polish/”in the white” finish instead of bluing. This high gloss polish was dubbed stainless look later in German catalogs. The surface of RNMAs such finished was specially heat treated as a rust protection. RNMAs and Marshals with this glossy finish were regularly available from 1971.

 

A small batch of RNMAs – RNMAs 7th variation – made from stainless steel alloy was added to the Centaure line in 1972

 

Updated March 18 2024

® Michael, Neely & Wolf 2007/2024

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