Chapter 2 – Facts and Figures

2.5 Milestones and Serial Numbers

 

2.5 2.5.1 2.5.2 2.5.3 2.5.3.1 2.5.3.2 2.5.3.3 2.5.4 2.5.4.1   2.5.4.2   2.5.4.3   2.5.5 2.5.5.1 2.5.5.2 2.5.5.3 2.5.5.4 2.5.6 2.5.7

Milestones and Serial Numbers Pre-Centaure Milestones 1796 to 1950s Centaure Milestones 1959 to 1973 Location of Serial Numbers Three Models – One Block of Serial Numbers Three More Models – Three Blocks of Serial Numbers Extra and Mismatching Cylinders Gaps in the Serial Numbers Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #18408 from the U.S.A. Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #5 1971 from Germany Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #043573 from Germany Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) in Disguise Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #6464 from Germany Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #7070 from Germany Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #7079 from France Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #7091 from Germany Mixed Serial Reworks (MSRs) Conclusions

 

2.5.1

Pre-Centaure Milestones 1796 to 1950s

 

The history of our preferred Belgian licensed Colt 1860 pattern percussion revolvers or New Model Armies (NMAs) goes back to the end of the 18th century. As early as 1796 we find the first mentioning of their makers the Hanquet family and their involvement with the Belgian and International gun business.

The Hanquets played their role in the famous consortium of Seven Liège Gun Makers that signed the licensing agreement with Samuel Colt in April 1853 regarding the production of Colt pattern percussion revolvers aka Colt BREVETES in Belgium. This agreement was never terminated.

BREVETES produced under this agreement were open top pattern revolvers with hinge type loading levers like Walkers, Dragoons, Navies and Pockets. None of the later advanced models, namely 1855 Roots, 1860 Army, 1861 Navy or 1862 Police made in Hartford with creeping type loading levers and mostly round barrels from the new silver steel until 1873, were manufactured as BREVETES.

This happened over 100 years later with what collectors, reenactors and shooters around the globe call the Centaure 1960 New Model Army percussion revolver today, or Centennial Army or simply Belgian Colt Army.

 

Pre-Centaure Milestones 1796 to 1950s
1796	Martin Hanquet starts the Hanquet gun business
1853	End of April: licensing agreement between Samuel Colt and Consortium of Seven Liège Gun Makers namely Ancion & Co., Callotte, Dandoy, Drisseur & Co., Jean Hanquet, Petry and Brothers Pirlot regarding the production of Colt pattern cap & ball revolvers
1913	May 30: Centaure trademark registered
1950	F.A.U.L. official Colt distributor for Belgium (ended 1992)

 

Centaures (aka New Model Armies (NMAs)) are Colt 1860 Army pattern percussion revolvers produced under a never terminated license from 1853 by Sam Colt using advanced 20th century production technology, higher grade steel and other important finesses which make competition shooters happy.   These Centaures‘ virtues become obvious even today when taken through the paces on the shooting range and, on second glance of course, after disassembly, compared to 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation Colt 1860s or their Italian clones.

 

2.5.2

Centaure Milestones 1959 to 1973

 

The Centaures were produced between 1959 and 1973 by Fabriques d’Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) at 22, Rue Trappe in Liège, Belgium in five basic models, namely Regular New Model Army (RNMA), Civilian Model, Cavalry Model, Marshal Model and Pocket Army Model in numerous variations and sub-variations (see chapter 3 for details). Back then F.A.U.L. was the name of the Hanquet family’s gun business.

 

Centaure Milestones 1959 to 1973
1959	Model guns (RNMA marked M) manufactured; specimens presented to Paul Hanquet and Fred Roff, then President of Colt
1959	RNMA 1st variation 1st sub-variation: Commencing regular production, output ca. 300 specimens, first shipments for launch in the U.S.A.
1960	RNMA 1st variation 1st sub-variation: Launch in the U.S.A. 100 years after introduction of Colt M1860 Army in 1860 (production discontinued in 1961)
1960	Civilian Models 1st and 2nd variation: Commencing production and launch in the U.S.A. (production discontinued with 2nd variation in 1963)
1960	Cavalry Models 1st variation: Commencing regular production in fall
1960	First Centaure variants with rampant centaur logo observed
1960	Regular fitting of hammers with 2nd version spur
1961	Cavalry Model 1st variation 1st sub-variation: Launch in the U.S.A., dubbed First Model Centennial Revolver (production discontinued in 1963)
1961	Cavalry Model 1st variation 2nd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in the U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1963)
1961	RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation: Launch in U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1973)
1961	Thomas Haas has Horacio Q. Acevedo Sr. engrave die for Colt/Ormsby-style naval scene for RNMAs 3rd variation
1961	RNMA 3rd variation 1st sub-variation: Prototype production, launch in the U.S.A. (production discontinued same year)
1962	RNMA 2nd variation 1st sub-variation: Commencing regular production, launch in the U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1964)
1962	Pocket Army Models 1st and 2nd variation: Commencing special order production,  launch in the U.S.A. (production aborted same year)
1962	Cavalry Model 1st variation 3rd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in the U.S.A. (production aborted same year)
1963	RNMAs 3rd variation 2nd sub-variation: Commencing regular production, launch in the U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1971)
1963	Pocket Army Model 3rd variation: Commencing special order production, launch in the U.S.A. (production aborted same year)
1963	First European sales recorded in Belgium, France, Germany
1963	First NMAs with 2nd version arbor observed
1964	Change from rampant to walking centaur logo
1964	Gradual change from early type ratchet teeth on the back of cylinder to late type
1964	First pistols with mid-size chambers recorded
1964	Regular fitting of hammers with 3rd version spur
1966	RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation: Commencing production and launch (production discontinued 1970)
1966	RNMA 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in the U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1970)
1966	First RNMAs with 3rd version arbor in regular production through 1973
1967	RNMAs 4thvariation 1st sub-variation and early 2nd sub-variation: Prototype production, small scale/test market in Europe (production discontinued same year)
1967	RNMA 5th variation 1st sub-variation: Prototypes and regular production, launch in Europe and the U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1970)
1967	RNMA 6th variation 1st sub-variation: Prototype production, small scale/test market in Europe (production discontinues same year)
1968	Liège Proof House discontinues stamping inspector and Crown over R marks by Feb. 26
1968	Change to small chambers
1969	RNMAs 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in Europe (production discontinued in 1970)
1970	Gradual introduction of cast parts including change to 2nd version backstraps
1970	Barrels with 8 grooves and 8 lands often observed
1970	Regular fitting of hammers with 4th version spur
1970	RNMA 5th variation 2nd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in Europe and the U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1973)
1971	Cavalry Models 2nd variation 1st and 2nd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in Europe and the U.S.A. (production aborted same year)
1971	Marshal Models 1st variation: Commencing production, 1st sub-variation launch in Europe (production aborted same year), 2nd sub-variation launch in Europe and the U.S.A. (production discontinued in 1973)
1971	Marshal Models 2nd variations 1st and 2nd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in Europe (production aborted same year)
1971	RNMA De Luxe-style factory engraved: Commence program, launch in Europe and the U.S.A. (program ended sometime after production of pistols was discontinued in 1973)
1971	RNMA Super De Luxe-style factory engraved: Commence program, launch in Europe (program ended sometime after production of pistols was discontinued in 1972)
1971	RNMA Presentation-style  factory engraved: Commence program, launch in Europe and Canada (program ended sometime after production of pistols was discontinued in 1973)
1971	RNMAs 4th variation 2nd sub-variation: Commence production, launch in Europe (production discontinued in 1972)
1971	RNMAs 6th variation 2nd sub-variation: Commencing production, launch in Europe (production discontinued in 1973)
1972	RNMA 7th variation first stainless-steel C&B revolvers: Commencing production launch in Germany (production aborted same year)
1972	RNMA 4th variation 3rd sub-variation: Commencing small scale production, launch in Germany (production aborted same year)
1972	RNMA 6th variation 3rd sub-variation: Commencing small scale production, launch in Germany (production aborted same year)
1972	Marshal De Luxe-style factory engraved: Commence program, launch in Europe (program ended sometime after production of pistols was discontinued in 1972)
1973	Production of all RNMAs and Marshals was discontinued in early summer

 

2.5.3

Location of Serial Numbers

 

In the next chapters we will look at the serial numbering and their rational from different angles.

Like the Colt 1860 Armies of the 19th century, complete or partial serial numbers (i.e. last digits) are to be found on all major parts of the 20th century Centaure (aka licensed Belgian NMA) as direct descendants of the 19th century Colt 1860 Army. In regular production revolvers, i.e. Regular New Model Army (RNMA), Civilian (C-prefix), Cavalry (F-prefix), Marshal 1st variation, Marshal 2nd variation (F-prefix) serial numbers are visibly stamped on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard.

 

2.5_1 Typical location of visible serial numbers of RNMA 1st variation #10655 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard

 

2.5_2 Typical location of visible serial numbers of Civilian 1st variation #C190 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard: Note prefix C in front of the three (3) serial numbers

 

2.5_3 Typical location of visible serial numbers of Cavalry 1st variation #F144 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard: Note prefix F in front of the three (3) serial numbers

 

2.5_4 Typical location of visible serial numbers of Cavalry 2nd variation #F11103 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard: Note prefix F above serial number on barrel lug only

 

2.5_5 Typical location of visible serial numbers of Marshal 2nd variation #F11553 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard: Note prefix F above serial number on barrel lug only

 

The exception to this rule is the few Centaures recorded in the survey where barrel lug and frame have the embossed serial number but none has been stamped on the triggerguard. The reason might be a senior moment on behalf of the technician in charge at the factory.

Cylinders were stamped on the:

# Front side – early production revolvers only,

# Between the ends of the naval scenes of a few very early Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) 3rd variation 1st sub-variation, but

# Mostly on the breech side.

# A few Centaures are recorded with no digits on their cylinders at all, same applies to

# A few variants of the extra cylinders of later production.

 

2.5_6 Typical location of all 3 digits of the serial number stamped on the front side of cylinder of early production RNMA 1st variation #619

 

2.5_7 All 4 digits of the serial number stamped between the scene’s ends of cylinder and the breech side (not pictured) of RNMA 3rd variation 1st sub-variation #1423

 

2.5_8 Last 3 digits 226 of the serial number stamped on the breech side of cylinder of RNMA 6th variation 2nd sub-variation #14226

 

2.5_9 No digits of the serial number are on the cylinder of RNMA 4th variation 2nd sub-variation #11783

 

Hammers and buttstraps were stamped with all digits of the serial number on the left side.

 

2.5_10 All 4 digits of the serial number on the left side of the hammer of RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #7266

 

2.5_11 All 5 digits of the serial number on the left side of the butt strap of RNMA 7th variation #12306

 

The wooden grips were usually only marked with the last two or three digits; the ivory ones of the Presentation-style factory engraved RNMAs have the serial number hand-written on the spacer. Few grips are stamped with the last digit only and even fewer of the very early ones had their serial number written with a pen on the spacer under the grip.

 

2.5_12 Last 2 digits of the serial number in the channel for the back strap of RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #7266: Note typical „blind“ stamp

 

NB.: Above observations do not apply to the model or pattern guns (visibly marked M) and the special-order Pocket Army Models. To check their hidden serial numbers they need to be disassembled. Regarding the handful  of very early visibly marked M revolvers (check chapter 3.1.2), the locations of the 1962/63 made Pocket Armies are explained in chapter 3.6.2.2.

 

2.5.3.1

Three Models – One Block of of Serial Numbers

 

According to our research Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) numbered the models, variations, sub-variations or otherwise variants listed below consecutively in one block of serial numbers from #1 up to approximately #14300:

• Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) all variations including factory engraved variants,
• RNMAs model or pattern guns: Visibly marked M on barrel lug, frame, triggerguard, buttstrap, cylinder face: hidden serial numbers in some locations with prefix M,
• Marshal Models 1st variation 1st and 2nd variation including the factory engraved variants,
• Cavalry Models 2nd variation 1st and 2nd variation: Prefix F above the serial number on the barrel lug only but usually without prefix added in the other locations,
• Marshal Models 2nd variation and 2nd variation: Prefix F above the serial number on the barrel lug only but usually without prefix added in the other locations.

 

2.5.3.2

Three More Models – Three Blocks of Serial Numbers

 

Separate blocks of serial numbers were observed for these models:

• Civilian Models 1st and 2nd variation: Prefix C added to visible serial numbers on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard, often without prefix added in the other locations, #C1 up to currently highest S/N recorded #C932.
• Cavalry Models 1st variation 1st, 2nd and 3rd sub-variation: prefix F added to visible serial numbers on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard, often without prefix added in the other locations, #F1 up to #F1000.
• Pocket Pocket Army Models: No prefix, details see chapter 3.6.2.2, locations differ from other New Model Armies (NMAs), up from #1 to currently highest serial number recorded #12.

 

2.5.3.3

Extra and Mismatching Cylinders

 

From some time in the early 1960s extra cylinders were officially available from Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.). First were the ones with the Centaure proprietary naval scene. The supply in the U.S.A. was handled by Centennial Arms Corp. of Lincolnwood, IL. In Europe they could be special ordered through the F.A.U.L. dealer network. These cylinders were numbered in a separate block of serial numbers. No further details are known.

Of course, extra cylinders were proof tested, carried the ELG over * in oval. If produced before March 1968 they were stamped with an inspector mark, too.

From around 1966 F.A.U.L. would additionally deliver extra cylinders of all types of regular production cylinders for the New Model Armies (NMAs):

# Rebated/plain with blued finish, from 1967/68 also in high gloss polish/“in the white“ aka stainless look,

# Fully fluted with blued finish, from 1971 also in high gloss polish/“in the white“ aka stainless look.

These cylinders were proof tested but not numbered.

Due to the gun legislations in the different European countries some of these originally unnumbered cylinders were later numbered by a gunsmith. This is recognizable by the use of different fonts compared to those used by the factory etc.

Extra cylinders with the Colt/Ormsby-type naval engagement scene could be ordered from U.S. Centennial Arms Corp. of Lincolnwood, IL. Centennial Arms Corp. also stocked the ones with the Centaure proprietary naval engagement scene as extra cylinders.

Serial numbered extra cylinders received from the factory never matched the serial numbers of pistols to which they are mated.

If the digits on the cylinder of your prized RNMA 2nd or 3rd variation do not match the ones of the pistol it is very likely an extra cylinder installed some years ago and the original rebated, plain cylinder has gone missing. In other words what looks like an RNMA 2nd or 3rd variation is actually a 1st variation fitted with an extra cylinder.

NB.: Extra cylinders from F.A.U.L. were always in short supply.

Caveat: Mismatching cylinders would, and did, occur for other reasons as well. As you know from other replica makers, until the end of the 20th century (!) the making of the revolvers involved many more manual operations compared to the state of the art manufacturing today. This also applied to F.A.U.L. In-process control and documentation procedures were under-developed during that time not only at the Liège factory. This just called for the occasional mismatch in the serial number department:

• Transposed digits were found because the operator stamped the cylinders one at a time by hand,
• Once a batch of pistols was returned from the Liège Proof house the guns were disassembled at the factory for cleaning before being shipped to their customers. Occasionally pistols were reassembled with a wrong, mismatching cylinder,
• As mentioned elsewhere the roll-engraving of the Colt/Ormsby cylinder scene was not done at F.A.U.L. in Belgium but in the shop of Centennial Arms in the U.S.A. Usually, some 50 RNMAs of a shipment were wanted with the Colt/Ormsby scene. This job required pulling of cylinders which was another batch operation. After the engraving of the naval scene occasionally cylinders were later fitted to the wrong pistols.

Why? A couple of explanations come to mind:

1. Human factor (1): Centaures were generally in short supply. The factory pushed their output. Hence, focus of the F.A.U.L. quality control must have been on maintaining high levels of functional quality of the pistols. Matching of not visible serial numbers was a lesser concern. This aspect applies to Centennial Arms Corporation, too.
2. Human factor (2): Back then after successful proof-testing the Liège Proof house was concerned about the matching of the visible serial numbers, the ones on barrel lug, frame and trigger-guard. They were usually matching.
3. The majority of buyers during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s were shooters or reenactors. They just were not serial number crazy as we are today. They purchased that Cap & Baller as a shooting, or reenactment, iron. Not as a collector’s piece where matching numbers enhance the value.
4. No gun license was required for percussion revolvers in most European countries during the 1960s and early 1970s. Legally they were not really considered firearms, as they still are not today in most states of the U.S. of A.

Consequently

a)     Government pressure on gun makers regarding proper serial numbering of all parts for the identification of these black powder revolvers was limited.

b)     F.A.U.L.’s quality control, the Liège Proof House and the Centennial Arms quality control alike (see 1 and 2 above) would go away with the visual inspection and recording of the three (3) matching serial numbers on the barrel lug, frame and triggerguard. Everybody was happy.

 

2.5.4

Gaps in the Serial Numbers

 

As of July 2020, at the upper end of the combined serial number block in the survey of Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs), Marshal Models and Cavalry Models 2nd variation (chapter 2.5.3.1 above),  three (3) gaps of serial numbers between the currently highest recorded regular production serial number #14296 from 1973 were noted:

1. Between #14296 (France) and #18408 (U.S.A.),
2. Between #18408 (U.S.A.) and #5 1971 (Germany),
3. Between #5 1971 (Germany) and #043573 (Germany).

Explanations are proposed below. Be prepared, however, for further gaps suspected but not yet exactly quantified, like a block of serial numbers set aside for the before mentioned extra cylinders. There might be additional turns in the Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) use of serial numbers yet to be discovered.

 

2.5.4.1

Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #18498 from the U.S.A.

 

2.5_13 RNMA 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation #18408

 

#18408 is recorded in the survey as an RNMA 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation. The barrel marking reads “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY”              CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK: The high serial number would indicate very late production, i.e. in 1973.

 

2.5_14 RNMA #18408 visible serial number on barrel lug is 18408

 

In that case the barrel marking should read “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY”, however The physical characteristics like 3rd version hammer spur and proof marks combination 3 signal her production was sometime between April 1968 and 1970.

 

2.5_15 RNMA #18408 visible serial numbers on frame and triggerguard 18408

 

2.5_16 3rd combination of proof marks of RNMA #18408 on barrel lug indicates production between April 1968 and 1970

 

The digits on the breech side of the cylinder read 458 but not 408 as one would expect. This could mean the installation of an extra cylinder with the Colt/Ormsby naval scene turning this revolver into an RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation.

 

2.5_17 Cylinder of RNMA #18408 is stamped 458

 

But what is the real serial number? The font of the first digit 1 of the visible serial numbers looks like a slightly different font was used, or as if it were added later, after the digits 8408 were embossed already. We suggest the real serial number is #8408. Per July of 2020 no other Centaure is recorded with #8408. This would explain the physical appearance, factory markings and the combination of proof mark of this pistol.

 

2.5.4.2

Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #5 1971 from Germany

 

2.5_18 RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #5 1971 rediscovered „in the white“, original traditional finish was removed, 4th version hammer spur

 

#5 1971 is documented in the survey as an RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation. The barrel marking reads CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK              “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY”: She presents herself with a few unique features. This Centaure with the highest 5-digit serial number currently known has a distinct gap, like a blank, between the digits 5 and 1971 of the serial number. No other Belgian has been found where the serial number is embossed into barrel, frame, triggerguard and hammer in such a way.

 

2.5_19 RNMA #5 1971 visible serial number on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard, note gap between 5 and 1971

 

The late H. J. Stammel of German cowboy novel writer fame, Western gun shooter and renowned cowboy gun collector owned the two Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) #10024 and this pistol #5 1971. He described the pair in German gun journal Deutsches WaffenJournal (DWJ) in 1971. In this article there was no mention of the unusual fashion in which the digits of the serial number were stamped.

 

2.5_20 RNMA #5 1971 cylinder is stamped 971

 

When she was rediscovered in 2008, her new owner let me disassemble her for a visual inspection: The hammer was stamped with the same little gap, the cylinder was marked 971. However, backstrap and grip were found marked #13709 and 709 respectively.  

 

2.5_21 RNMA #5 1971 backstrap is stamped 13709

 

She was also stripped of her original blue and case color finish that she showed on the pictures of the 1971 article. In this writer’s humble opinion there are two aspects to be considered here:

1. Stammel’s description of his RNMA #5 1971 in this 1971 DWJ publication led later writers to state as a fact that some 60,000 (!) Centaure percussion revolvers were manufactured. However, there is no way that we can get even close to such a high production output of Centaures through our research (see respective tables in chapter 2.6).
2. Since F.A.U.L. did not manufacture 60,000 Centaures is #5 1971 the correct serial number in the first place?

 

2.5_22 RNMA #5 1871 hammer stamped the same

 

1. Could #13709 on back strap and grip be the correct serial number instead of #5 1971? Or does #5 1971 possibly point into a completely different direction? Like Stammel special ordered his Centaure from F.A.U.L. with #5 1971 visible because this number had some meaning to him? Does this “out of range” serial number imply a special production?
2. If #13709 were the correct the serial number, no New Model Army (NMA) with this serial number is currently (August 2022) recorded in the survey. #13709 would mean early 1973 production. The barrel marking for that late period should then be “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“. However this is not what it actually reads, namely CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK              “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“.
3. Stammel’s paper was published in the August 1971 edition of the journal. Considering at least a three month lead time of the article from submission to the publication this would date the making of #5 1971 in spring of 1971  at the latest; but, more likely sometime in 1970. The actual barrel marking corresponds to that period (i.e. production in 1970/71).

 

2.5_23 4.3rd combination of proof marks on barrel lug of RNMA #5 1971 indicate making as early as 1970

 

4. The visible serial number could even mean made in May or 5th month of 1971. Does it make sense?

According to our current knowledge of F.A.U.L.’s use of serial numbers neither #5 1971 nor #13709 are conclusive as the actual serial number.

 

2.5.4.3

Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #043573 from Germany

 

2.5_24 RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #043573

 

#043573 is recorded in the survey as RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation, barrel marking CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK              “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY„: This confusing story got a new twist on November 26, 2009 when this Centaure was discovered at the German gun show in Kassel. In line with FROCS unwritten SOPs she was liberated on the spot.

 

2.5_25 RNMA #043573 visible serial numbers on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard

 

#043573 is currently the only 6-digit Centaure known where the visible digits look like they were applied at the factory. She is another specimen with the “wrong” barrel marking for a 1973 regular production gun. Disassembly revealed that barrel lug, frame and trigger guard are stamped #043573 alright but cylinder, hammer, backstrap and grip are marked #11909 or digits thereof. No other Centaure with the serial number #11909 was recorded in our survey.

 

2.5_26 Serial numbered parts of RNMA #043573: 11909 or digits on hammer, cylinder and back strap (grip is 9 not pictured), 4th version hammer spur

 

If #11909 were the correct serial number she was made earlier during 1971. This is in line with her barrel marking, combination 4.3 proof marks and other physical characteristics.

When I discussed all these confusing findings with Colt collector and well-known Western gun dealer Kurt Bouras of Mainz (www.classic-firearms.com) he was not surprised at all and challenged me: “What did Colt do towards the end of the production of their 1860 Army? Did they scrap the surplus parts?“

„No, they grabbed whatever usable parts there were on the floor and in the warehouse in the attempt to make them into saleable (mismatching?) Armies, used the parts for repairs, the making of factory conversions, or just sold them to the highest bidder”.

After having digested his blunt statement here is my considered opinion about what happened at Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) between 1971 and 1973 when the writing about the termination of the Centaure production was on the wall. The Belgians swept the house, double-checked quality, proof house rejects and returned pistols respectively, which were all serial numbered. They cannibalized them for usable parts. Additional parts from the production floor were irreproducible serial numbered and mated with these salvaged parts to turn out new pistols for sale. Fitting and finish found in these mismatching pistols is of the standard you would expect from similar later production Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs).

Currently no explanation can be offered for the rational of the serial numbering to these three RNMAs, except that it is out-of-range and way beyond the assumed regular production serial numbers, respectively.

 

2.5.5

Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) in Disguise

 

This is not the end of this strange serial number story. Recently a bucket full of Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) 1st variation 3rd sub-variation of the period 1967/68 production surfaced from France and Germany. We can speculate about the reason why their common characteristics are again “out-of-period” or otherwise modified serial numbers. They just might be the result of an earlier house sweeping program but it can have been some gunsmith action in the field, too. We will be looking at:

# RNMA #6464 disguised as #88484,

# RNMA #7070 disguised as #7878,

# RNMA #7079 disguised as another #7878,

# RNMA #7091 disguised as #888.

 

2.5.5.1

Regular New Model Army (RNMA) # 6464 from Germany

 

2.5_27 RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #6464: Factory finish removed, varnished grip, custom modified front sight, 3rd version hammer spur

 

RNMA #6464 with barrel marking “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY” CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK: The 6s of the visible serial numbers and on cylinder are stacked over with 8s (deeper impression), i.e. appears now as #88484.

 

2.5_28 RNMA #6464 visible serial numbers #88484

 

The factory finish has been removed by one previous owner. No country of origin mark is on the butt which could also have been removed when original finish was taken care of.

 

2.5_29 RNMA #6464 1st combination of proof marks on barrel lug

 

2.5_30 RNMA #6464 digits on cylinder 888484

 

2.5_31 RNMA #6464 hammer stamped 6464, 3rd version hammer spur

 

2.5_32 RNMA #6464 buttstrap stamped 6464, grip (not shown) 64

 

2.5_33 RNMA #6464 buttstrap either left factory without country of origin stamp or removed by previous owner

 

Factory markings, combination 1 proof marks and physical characteristics point towards production in 1966 and #6464, not #88484 is the actual serial number.

 

2.5.5.2

Regular New Model Army (RNMA) # 7070 from Germany

 

2.5_34 RNMA  1st variation 3rd sub-variation #7070

 

RNMA #7070, her barrel marking reads “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY” CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK: 0s of the visible serial numbers were stacked over with 8s. Compared to the other digits these 8s are taller in size.

 

2.5_35 RNMA #7070: Visible serial number #7878 on triggerguard, frame and barrel lug

 

The proof marks are of combination 1, factory marks and markings and physical characteristics indicate January/February 1968 production prior to the Liège Proof house’s change of their marking policy.

 

2.5_36 RNMA #7070 combination 1 proof marks on barrel lug, 3rd version hammer spur

 

2.5_37 RNMA #7070 digits 788888 stamped on the cylinder

 

2.5_38 RNMA #7070 hammer stamped 7070

 

2.5_39 RNMA #7070: Backstrap and grip stamped 7070 or digits thereof, MADE IN BELGIUM country-of-origin mark on the butt

 

The key parameters indicate the actual serial number is #7070, n0t #7878.

 

2.5.4.3

Regular New Model Army (RNMA) # 7079 from France

 

2.5_40 RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #7079

 

RNMA #7079 with barrel marking “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY” CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK: Visible serial number on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard is #7878. The digit 0 and 9 are stacked over with 8s. Back strap, grip and hammer are marked 7079 or digits thereof.

 

2.5_41 RNMA #7079 visible serial number 7878 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard

 

By this numbering approach this RNMA #7079 found in France ends up with the same visible serial number #7878 as #7070 discovered in Germany and presented in the previous chapter 2.5.6.2.

 

2.5_42 RNMA #7079 carries digits 788888 on breech side of cylinder

 

2.5_43 RNMA #7079 1st combination of proof marks on barrel lug

 

Proof marks of combination 1 are found, factory markings and physicals indicate a production in early 1968 just before the Liège Proof house changed their marking policy.

 

2.5_44 RNMA #7079 carries same digits on backstrap and grip

 

2.5_45 RNMA #7079 hammer stamped 7079, 3rd version hammer spur

 

We confidently propose the actual serial number is #7079, certainly n0t #7878.

 

2.5.4.4

Regular New Model Army (RNMA) #7091 from Germany

 

2.5_46 RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #7091 hammer with 3rd version spur fitted

 

RNMA #7091, barrel marking reads “1960 NEW MODEL ARMY” CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK: #888 is stamped only once as a visible serial number over barrel lug/frame. The trigger-guard is not numbered. Italian replacement may be? The original digits on the cylinder were bored out and 88 were embossed instead. The serial number of the hammer was removed but no new digits stamped in its place. Back-strap and grip are 7091 and 091, respectively. The cylinder installed features the large size chambers of early production, whereas mid-size should be expected.

 

2.5_47 RNMA #7091 singular visible serial number 888 overlapping both barrel lug and frame, no serial number on triggerguard

 

2.5_48 RNMA #7091 serial number removed from hammer, 3rd version hammer spur

 

2.5_49 RNMA #7091 breech side of cylinder factory stamped digits bored out, 88 stamped instead

 

2.5_50 RNMA #7091 buttstrap stamped 7091

 

2.5_51 RNMA #7091 grip stamped 091

 

Proof marks are combination 1, factory markings and appearance support the making in early 1968 before the Liège Proof house’s change of the marking policy. Hence, the actual serial number is likely #7091, certainly not #888.

Currently no explanation can be offered for the numbering rational applied of visible serial numbers of these four (4) Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs), except that they are

• out-of-range i.e. either below or beyond the assumed regular production serial numbers, respectively.
• In addition, three of them are within one cluster of their assumed actual serial numbers, namely #7070, #7079 and #7091.

 

2.5.6

Mixed Serial Reworks (MSRs)

 

That is the name I propose to call this group of Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) presented in above chapters 2.5.4 and 2.5.5, or MSRs for those of you who like it short. To get the definition straight, MSRs comprise newly made or renumbered barrels, frames or triggerguards (visible serial numbers), respectively mated with backstraps/grip assemblies and/or cylinders and hammers of returned and/or reworked pistols. Of course, these newly assembled pistols were then fitted and finished like regular production guns.

Since the highest serial number of a regularly numbered RNMA with all matching parts currently recorded is #14270 and #14296 for a Marshal meeting these criteria we suggest you carefully check the matching of the parts whenever you happen to stumble over a specimen of a Centaure with a serial number higher than #14296. You might just have been lucky. Your find could just be another rare MSR.

 

RNMAs	Inspector marks*	Visible serial number	Actual serial number	Year**
1st Variations 3rd Sub-Variations	Z	88484	6464	1967
1st Variations 3rd Sub-Variations	S	7878	7070	1968
1st Variations 3rd Sub-Variations	S	7878	7079	1968
1st Variations 3rd Sub-Variations	S	none	7091	1968
3rd Variations 3rd Sub-Variations	none*	18408	8408	1971
1st Variations 2nd Sub-Variations	none*	043573	11909	1971
1st Variations 2nd Sub-Variations	none*	5 1971	no clue	1971

*Inspector marks: proof testing before Feb. 26, 1968;

*None: proof testing after Feb. 26, 1968

** Year of production

 

Based on the August 2022 recalculation and extrapolation of the 1,620 Centaures in the survey data the estimated total number of MSRs amounts to a small group only of ca. 30 RNMAs, of which some 20 are assumed to be of the 1st and another 10 to be of the 3rd variation.

 

2.5.7

Conclusions

 

Neither factory nor period Liège Proof house (or Liège Army Museum) records exist anymore, or could be provided,  showing dates and serial numbers to get some official grip on dates of production figures of the Centaures. To relate serial numbers to year of production this issue had to be addressed “indirectly”. Approximate dates of original purchase can be estimated by proof house inspectors’ time of duty which has been released recently. Some early; but, also late original sales slips have been found, too. According to correspondence available from dealers it seems that the pistols were always in short supply on both sides of the Atlantic. This implies very short turn-around time on dealer shelfs. This data provides for a reasonable guesstimate regarding year of production for the period from 1959 through 1973.

Based on the inspector marks, we assume that some 300 (!) regular production Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) in addition to prototypes and model or pattern pistols (marked M) were turned out and proof tested in 1959 already prior to the official launch in the U.S.A. in 1960.

Lowest serial number in the survey is #M1, highest is #14296 including the MSRs in this equation. The Liège proof house did not mark any guns with inspector marks between March of 1968 and sometime in 1973. This would indicate Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) terminated production of the Centaures during early summer of 1973. This termination period is confirmed by an announcement of a German dealer.

After the first batches of RNMAs with the rebated plain cylinders were made starting in 1959 and after reaching approx. 500 units – which collectors term RNMA 1st variation 1st sub-variation today – the Civilian Models with it round frame and silver plated grip were added to the line around spring in 1960 numbered from #C1 up.

Later, in the spring of 1961, the first New Model Army (NMA) fitted with a 4-screw frame, fluted cylinder and a shoulder stock  (the Cavalry 1st variation) was launched, numbered from #F1 up. However, according to the inspector marks recorded, their production had already commenced in 1960.  . The making of the special-order Pocket Army Model with her 4″ barrel without loading lever likely took place sometime during 1962, with hidden serial numbers from #1 up.

All Centaure models, namely RNMAs, Marshals, Pocket Armies including the two prefix models Civilians and Cavalries, have all parts numbered with matching numbers or digits thereof. No assembly numbers were used.

The Liège Proof house has used date letters (i.e. lower case letters) as year codes from 1922,  Greek letters for the period 1959 through 1961  and Latin letters for the period 1962 until 1972. None of these date letters were discovered on any of the New Model Armies (NMAs) inspected. So, please, holler when you find a date letter on your Centaure.

Prefix C (Civilian Models) and F marked pistols or shoulder stocks (Cavalry Models 1st variation) have their prefix in front of the digits on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard. The prefix may or may not be stamped on cylinders, buttstraps or hammers. Subject grips with prefix are not recorded.

The prefix F marked Cavalry Models 2nd variation and the Marshal Models 2nd variation produced in 1971 only have the prefix F stamped above the digits on barrel lug of pistols and, as applicable, on the top of buttplates of the shoulder stocks only. In none of the other locations of the serial number is the prefix added.

As mentioned elsewhere Pocket Army Models have their serial numbers hidden. Their serial numbers are found on the barrel lug between the holes of the two locator pins, on the left side of the strap of the triggerguard (covered by the grip), on the rear side of the frame above the right or left hole of the backstrap screw, in the usual locations on the breech side of the cylinder, the lower left side of the hammers and in the channel for the backstrap on the rear side of the grip.

 

 

Updated November 23, 2023

© Mike, Neely and Wolf 2007/2023 

All Rights Reserved