Chapter 3 – Models & Variations of the Centaure

3.4 Third, Cavalry or Wade Hampton Model

 

3.4 3.4.1 3.4.1.1. 3.4.1.2 3.4.1.2.1 3.4.1.2.1.1 3.4.1.2.2 3.4.1.2.3 3.4.1.2.3.1 3.4.2 3.4.2.1 3.4.2.1.1 3.4.2.1.2 3.4.3

Third, Cavalry or Wade Hampton Model Common Characteristics of the Cavalry Models Shoulder Stocks of the Cavalry Models Cavalry Models 1st Variation – Key Features Cavalry Models 1st Variation 1st Sub-Variation More on Shoulder Stocks and Recollections of Contemporary Witness Friedrich Hebsacker Cavalry Models 1st Variation 2nd Sub-Variation Cavalry Models 1st Variation 3rd Sub-Variation Cavalry Models 1st Variation 3rd Sub-Variation – FAQ Cavalry Models 2nd Variation – Key Features Shoulder Stocks of Cavalry Models 2nd Variations Cavalry Models 2nd Variation 1st Sub-Variation Cavalry Models 2nd Variation 2nd Sub-Variation Cavalry Models – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges

 

3.4.1

Common Characteristics of the Cavalry Models

 

In August 2022 the survey data of 124 regular production Cavalry Models as recorded in the Centaure data bank were available to tell their story.

 

Frame	4-screw frame cut for shoulder stock, recoil shields and backstrap notched; in most specimens the 4th or guiding screws extend out from the frame providing a platform for the attachment of the shoulder stock
Finish	„traditional“ blue and case colors (b cch)
Comments	This model owes its being to the U.S. National Rifle Association’s (NRA’s) efforts to amending existing outmoded laws regarding stocks pistols.

 

This Centaure with shoulder stock and 4-screw frame is dubbed Cavalry Model by many collectors and shooters alike. In the U.S.A. some call it Wade Hampton Model after this famous C.S. general who is said to have suggested the fluted cylinder design to Sam Colt.

 

3.4.1_1 Wade Hampton III *March 28, 1818 – † April 11, 1902

 

Centennial Arms Corporation in Lincolnwood, IL., U.S.A. termed the Cavalry First Model Centennial Revolver in one of their ads, possibly because the launch in the U.S. market was 1961, the centennial of the Civil War.

This variant was the third Centaure model produced by Fabriques d’Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) in Belgium for Centennial Arms Corp. Their production commenced sometime late in 1960, after the introduction of the Regular New Model Army (RNMA) and Civilian Model. The Centennial Arms marketing activities for the Cavalry began in 1961 only, however.

Centaure collectors recognize two basic variations of the Cavalry Model today. Specimens of the 1st variation have 7,5” barrels. They were manufactured between 1960 and 1963 in three sub-variations. Variants of the 2nd variation were fitted with the 8” barrels instead and fabricated in 1971 only. Of the later variation two sub-variations are documented.

 

3.4.1.1

Shoulder Stocks of the Cavalry Models

 

A detachable shoulder stock, often with matching serial numbers, could be had as an accessory with most variants of the Cavalry Models. However, a few such combos are reported with perfectly fitted mismatching stocks.

During April of 2011 noted U.S. gun collector, and FROCS #14, Chain-Fire conducted a test to assess the interchangeability of original F.A.U.L. shoulder stocks manufactured between 1961-1963 and then again in 1971, and a Colt shoulder stock of 1977 making, with various Centaure Cavalry and two Colt revolvers.

It should be remembered that the Cavalry pistols of the early period have backstraps of the 1st version installed, i.e. 2-parts welded together and the buttstrap bent-over, whereas the later production revolvers have the 1-part cast backstrap.

The test results for all Centaures and Colts and shoulder stocks are presented in below spreadsheet.

 

Stock Description	Cavarly #F472	Cavalry #F651	Cavalry #F786	Cavalry #F802	Cavalry #F11166	Colt 2nd gen #208342	Colt 1st gen #4935
MADE IN BELGIUM stock no S/N came with #F472	fits	fits	fits	fits	no fit	no fit	no fit
MADE IN BELGIUM stock no S/N came with #786	no fit	poor tight fit	fits	poor tight fit	no fit	no fit	poor loose fit
MADE IN BELGIUM stock no S/N came with #F802	no fit	fits	no fit	fits	no fit	no fit	no fit
Stock #F340 came with #F651	no fit	fits	fits	no fit	no fit	no fit	no fit
Stock #F11166 came with #F11166	poor loose fit	poor loose fit	poor loose fit	poor loose fit	fits	poor loose fit	very poor loose fit
Stock #US2970 came with Colt Commemorative	no fit	no fit	no fit	no fit	no fit	no fit	very poor loose fit

 

Chain-Fire unexpected conclusions: Each stock was hand fitted to the revolver with which it was delivered and sold, no matter if the serial numbers were matching or not!

According to ads of Centennial Arms Corp. from the early 1960s, extra stocks for Cavalry Models and the RNMAs (!) were available. They usually carried no serial number. Some carry just the country-of-origin mark MADE IN BELGIUM. As per Chain-Fire’s findings these stocks would require some fitting when they were to be attached to a 4-screw frame Cavalry pistol. Others found that they would usually work fine with the 3-screw frame RNMAs.

 

3.4.1.1_1 Extra shoulder stock for the Cavalry: No prefix F and serial number on top strap of butt plate

 

3.4.1.1_2 Extra stock for Centaure Cavalry without serial number: Note MADE IN BELGIUM mark on left side of bottom tang

 

In June 2020 Chain-Fire conducted a second test on shoulder stocks for only theCavalries 2nd variation, i.e. 1971 production. The goal was to assess if the switch to the cast backstraps of the matching sets‘ pistols would affect interchangeability of the stocks. Entered in this test were the single revolver #F10705 (Cavalry 2nd variation 1st sub-variation without stock) and combos #F10715 (Cavalry 2nd variation 1st sub-variation), #F11155 and #F11166 (the latter are Cavalry 2nd variation 2nd sub-variations).

Chain-Fire tried to mount each of the three Cavalry 2nd variation shoulder stocks to each of the four Cavalry 2nd variation revolvers. The findings are that each shoulder stock was hand fitted to its matching serial number gun. In all cases, each shoulder stock would only fit its matching serial number gun. This implies the effect of the more standardized cast backstraps in 1971 is of lesser importance. More important are the manual shaping process of the wood of the individual grip to a Cavalry 2nd variation pistol and later the fitting of the respective shoulder stock.

 

3.4.1.2

Cavalry Models 1st Variation – Key Features

 

3.4.1.2_1 Typical specimen of Cavalry 1st variation #F490 from 1962 with shoulder stock attached (picture courtesy Terushi Jimbo, Düsseldorf/Germany)

 

Barrel	7.5″
Logo	rampant centaur
Chambers	large
Arbor	1st version
Hammer spur	2nd version
Prefix F	F in front of visible serial numbers of pistols and shoulder stocks in one line
Comments	This model was often sold with a (matching) shoulder stock. Produced for the U.S. market in a separate block of serial numbers beginning with #F1.

 

When sold as a set, the serial numbers of the revolvers are usually matching the shoulder stock. In serial number range of around #F600 to #F1000 most of the Cavalry pistols 1st variation inspected have the mark MADE IN BELGIUM stamped on the pistol’s butt which is the regular location and again on the left side of its barrel lug, see below picture.

 

3.4.1.2_2 Left side of barrel lug of Cavalry 1st variation #786: Note second country-of-origin mark MADE IN BELGIUM stamped left side of barrel lug

 

The shoulder stock had its serials with prefix stamped on the top strap of the butt plate and often again on the bottom of the tang. Yoke and butt plate were made of brass. Some were stamped MADE IN BELGIUM on the left side of the brass of the bottom tang.

 

3.4.1.2_3 MADE IN BELGIUM stamped on left side of bottom tang of shoulder stock of Cavalry 1st variation #786

 

3.4.1.2.1

Cavalry Models 1st Variation 1st Sub-Variation

 

Cylinder	fluted
Barrel markings	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“   CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CHICAGO U.S.A. „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“   CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK
4th pair of screws	extend ca. 6 mm/.236 in from frame
Comments	Produced between 1960 and 1963.

 

This is the Cavalry variant most often encountered out there.

 

3.4.1.2.1_1 Typical specimen Cavalry 1st variation 1st sub-variation #F882 with matching shoulder stock attached

 

3.4.1.2.1_2 Cavalry #F882: Note MADE IN BELGIUM stamped on left side of barrel lug, rampant centaur logo, „long“ 4th screw located and extending between hammer and trigger screw, note 2nd version hammer spur

 

3.4.1.2.1_3 Close-up of Cavalry #F12: Note typical “long” 4th pair of screws, visible prefix F and serial number 12 stamped in one line on triggerguard, frame and barrel lug

 

3.4.1.2.1_4 Close-up of 4-screw frame of Cavalry #F123 with barrel and cylinder pulled: Note 1st version arbor, notch in recoil shield, rampant centaur logo

 

3.4.1.2.1_5 Typical placement of serial number on breech side of cylinder of Cavalry #F123: Note serial number 123 without prefix

 

3.4.1.2.1_6 Typical location of prefix F with serial number on top strap of butt strap of Cavalry’s #F123 shoulder stock

 

3.4.1.2.1_7 Typical location of prefix F with serial number under bottom tang of Cavalry’s #F123 shoulder stock

 

Cavalry 1st variation 1st sub-variation sets in custom made display cases like #F123 and #F882 pictured below are a rare find.

 

3.4.1.2.1_8 Cavalry #F123 custom cased in English fit with light blue interior discovered exported to France: Nipple wrench is Italian

 

3.4.1.2.1_9 Cavalry #F882 matching set with Italian accessories, MADE IN BELGIUM stamped on stock discovered in the U.S.A.: Custom cased in English fit with red interior

 

3.4.1.2.1-10 Case of Cavalry #F882 closed

 

3.4.1.2.1.1

More on Shoulder Stocks and Recollections of Contemporary Witness Friedrich Hebsacker

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_1 Cavalry #F490 from 1962 was liberated with perfectly fitting shoulder stock #F400

 

Like #F490 with her mismatching stock #F400 pictured above also #F651 below was found with mismatching stock #F340. Both stocks fit their respective pistols perfectly. After a complete disassembly of the stock  #F340 interesting marks were discovered.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_2 Cavalry #F651 from 1962 was discovered with fitting stock #F340

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_3 Shoulder stock #F340 serial number on bottom tang …

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_4 … and on butt plate top strap

 

Note assembly number pencilled 3 under the butt plate and bottom tang mortice, and 3 stamped on inside of brass parts, too. SILE is stamped on the wood under the butt plate.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_5 Shoulder stock of #F340: Note SILE maker’s mark stamps and pencilled assembly number 3 …

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_6 … buttplate of shoulder stock of #F340 with assembly number 3 stamp …

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_7 … bottom tang mortice of #F340 has pencilled assembly number 3 …

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_8 … bottom tang yoke of #F340 assembly number 3

 

FROCS #14, Chain-Fire, adds further observations and offers interesting background information regarding #F802 (below pics): “The numeric portion of the serial number 802 plus 34 is written in pencil on the wood underneath the butt plate. Additionally, the underlined word SILE is stamped in block letters into the wood.”

“SILE Distributors, Inc. was located in Meriden, CT. They acted between the late 1950s and mid 1990s as importer for a multitude of foreign firearms manufacturer and military surplus dealers. They were distributor for a host of American firearms companies and marketer of firearms under their own private brand.”

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_9 Stock of #F802: Note pencilled 802 without prefix F and assembly number 34, stamp SILE identifies SILE as manufacturer of the wood …

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_10 … buttplate of #F802 with stamp of assembly number 34 on inside

 

Continues Chain-Fire: “It is also my understanding that SILE was a source for the manufacture of stocks for other firearms manufacturers. So, perhaps F.A.U.L. outsourced the manufacture of their shoulder stocks to SILE.”

 

“This might make sense given the fact that shoulder stocks were produced in limited numbers. Therefore, rather than tool up for a limited run of shoulder stocks, perhaps SILE did the work and during the manufacturing process they applied their logo stamp to the butt…”

 

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_11 Bottom tang mortise of #F802: Note pencilled 802 without prefix F …

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_12 … yoke of #F802 with stamp 34 on inside

 

Adds FROCS #1, Dr. Jim, founder of Replica Percussion Revolver Collector’s Association (RPRCA), on April 17, 2011:

“I speculate that these were assembly numbers when they were putting the stocks together. Leslie Field – former manager at the Shore companies Mars Equipment Corp. and Centennial Arms Corp. – told me that he always wondered how they got such close fit of the wood and metal until he was able to watch this being done at the factory.”

“He said they started with in-letted oversize stocks and literally hammered the stock onto the metal, cut off the excess wood, and finished them.”

“This would definitely (have) required some identification of the parts since each was pretty much a set that would not interchange with another without more fitting.”

The 3 of #F340, the 34 of #F802 and the 0 for that matter of #F400 stamped on the inside of yoke and butt plate and pencilled in the wood then are assembly numbers.

Above information regarding markings, marks and stamps of the Cavalry Models‘ shoulder stocks refers to stocks of the 1st variations only.

Did I tell you that you have to be prepared for surprises when you deal with Centaures? On February 14 2011 below #F1000 was brought to my attention. The current owner U.S. FROCS #97, Old Man Young, had inherited her a couple of years ago NIB but without the original box. She was never fired or played with.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_13 Right side view of #F1000 from 1963: Highest documented serial number of a 1st variation Cavalry Model

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_14 Left side view of Cavalry 1st variation 1st sub-variation #F1000

 

The first owner was an avid and very knowledgeable collector by the name of Dr. Leon Michelle from Swampscott, Mass., U.S.A. Michelle was a very close friend of Sig Shore of Shore Galleries. He received this combo as a Christmas present in 1964 after he guided Shore into the disposal of one of the best collections of Lugers and WWII memorabilia that anyone had ever seen. This was a celebrated auction conducted by Shore in the early 1960s.

Some of the features of the Cavalry #F1000 combo deserve to be highlighted. Because they are rare or unusual: MADE IN BELGIUM on the left side of the barrel lug is quite common in this serial number range, however. The country-of-origin mark is stamped again on the butt of the pistol and on the left side of the yoke of the shoulder stock as well.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_15 Close-up of barrel lug of Cavalry #F1000 with „second“ mark MADE IN BELGIUM

 

Doesn’t the prefix F look different?! Looking through magnifying glass, all three Fs appear to be slightly different. They might have been hand cut with a graver of some type or a small straight chisel.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_16 Prefix F of visible serial numbers of Cavalry #F1000

 

The breech side of the cylinder is stamped 100044. The first four digits 1000 are fine because that is the serial number. But what do the 5th and 6th digits 44 stand for? Caliber, may be? That is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug already.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_17 Digits 100044 stamped on cylinder of Cavalry #F1000

 

The only visible mark on the shoulder stock is the MADE IN BELGIUM. No serial numbers are stamped on the top of the butt strap or on the bottom of the tang. However, the serial number is hand scribed in the yoke of the stock.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_18 Serial number 1000 „scratched“ in the yoke of the stock of Cavalry #F1000

 

When the brass is removed from the stock the pencilled assembly number 65 is visible under the bottom tang mortice and under the butt plate. SILE is stamped in the wood under the butt plate as well.

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_19 Assembly number 65 pencilled under bottom tang of stock of #F1000  and butt plate (not pictured)

 

3.4.1.2.1.1_20 Assembly number 65 pencilled butt plate, ditto SILE is stamped in the wood of the stock of Cavalry #F1000

 

3.4.1.2.2

Cavalry Models 1st Variation 2nd Sub-Variation

 

Cylinder	fluted
Barrel markings	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“   CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CHICAGO U.S.A.
4th pair of screws	flat or domed heads almost flush with frame
Comments	Produced between 1961 and 1963. Few specimens recorded are known with a shoulder stock.

 

That Cavalry 1st variation, 2nd sub-variation variants existed was realized during March 2011 only after another analysis of pictures and survey data of all the Cavalry Models 1st variation documented back then. One group of pistols stood out from all other Cavalry 1st variations owing to the distinctly different shape of their pair of 4th or guiding screws. When this 2011 data was reviewed in June 2020 there were two additional findings:

# Less than 10 % of the Cavalry  1st variations account for these Cavalry  1st variation 2nd sub-variations.

# No perceivable cluster of serial numbers could be noted.

These are the Cavalries identified as 1st variation 2nd sub-variation: #F126, #F270, #F324, #F362, #F453, #F650, #F845 and #F946. Of these eight specimens #F126 has her pair of 4th screws heads flush with the frame, see picture below.

 

3.4.1.2.2_1 Right side of Cavalry 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #126 from 1961: Note 4th guiding screw flash with frame

 

All other screw heads of the 4th pair of screws of this 2nd sub-variation are of the domed head variety extending just a bit from the frame, see #F362 below. Incidentally, the domed type of 4th screws looks like the ones fitted to original 4-screw frame Colt 1860 Armies of yesteryear.

 

 

3.4.1.2.2_2 Right side view of typical specimen of Cavalries 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #F362 fr0m 1962 with domed 4th screw head and historically correct low profile front sight

 

3.4.1.2.2_3 Close-up of left side of frame of Cavalry #F362: Note domed 4th screw head in right corner

 

Cavalry #F845 of 1963 production – below three pictures – is the only specimen recorded with a matching shoulder stock.

 

3.4.1.2.2_4 Cavalry #F845 with matching shoulder stock attached

 

3.4.1.2.2_5 Serial numbers of Cavalry #F845 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard

3.4.1.2.2_6 Right side close-up of Cavalry Model #845: Note domed 4th screw head

 

Below Cavalry 1st variation 2nd sub-variations #F324 of 1962 and #F946 of 1963 production were discovered cased in English fit with red interior.

 

3.4.1.2.2_7 Cased Cavalry #F234 with Italian accessories

 

3.4.1.2.2_8 Cased Cavalry #F946  custom engraved in the style of Horacio Q Acevedo: Note case coloured on frame and  cylinder, F.A.U.L. bullet mold, Italian flask

 

One question remains. Who inserted these two different types of short 4th screws? Was this job done at Fabriques d’Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.), the shop of Centennial Arms Corp. in Lincolnwood, IL.? Or, by some unknown gunsmith? Our friend and FROCS #14, Chain-Fire, suggests these short screws were probably added by the Haas/Acevedo team to replicate the look of an original Colt 1860 Army Cavalry more accurately especially since most of the time no shoulder stock was included.

What do you think? I am looking forward to receiving your email to info@niederastroth.com with your assessment.

 

3.4.1.2.3

Cavalry Models 1st Variation 3rd Sub-Variation

 

Cylinder	rebated, engraved with Centaure proprietary naval engagement scene
Barrel marking	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
4th pair of screws	extend ca. 6 mm/.236 in from frame like in 1st sub-variation
Comments	Probably one batch only was produced in 1962. Extremely rare, known from an ad and a personal note from U.S.A.

 

Pictorial proof for this sub-variation exists from a 1962 ad published in Guns Magazine, below close-up from the ad. As for survey data we only have #F620 recorded with little supportive information.

 

3.4.1.2.3_1 Ad of Cavalry 1st variation 3rd sub-variation termed „…this is like transitional Colt 1860, few found with 7½“ barrel and round cylinder navy scene“

 

It is our considered opinion that specimens of this 3rd sub-variation are found in the same range of serial numbers as the 1st and 2nd sub-variations of the Cavalry Models 1st variation. There is no indication that more than ca. 20 specimens were made for the U.S. market during the early 1960s.

 

3.4.1.2.3_2 Mock-up of Cavalry 1st variation 3rd sub-variation with shoulder stock attached: Note the Centaure proprietary naval scene on rebated cylinder

 

3.4.1.2.3_3 Close-up of Cavalry 1st variation 3rd sub-variation mock-up: Note „long“ 4th screw and cylinder marking

 

If you have one of these super rare Cavalries, please let us know!

 

3.4.1.2.3.1	Cavalry Models 1st Variation 3rd Sub-Variation – FAQ
Q: „Why this short production run of the Cavalry 1st variation 3rd sub-variation?
A: IMHO it is fair to guestimate that Roncarati of Liège, F.A.U.L.’s contract manufacturer for semi-finished barrels, frames and cylinders was behind schedule at a time for one reason or the other regarding the supply of fluted cylinders for the Cavalry project. If at the same time orders of Mars Equipment Corp. for Centennial Arms could not be processed for that very reason but an ample inventory of cylinders was available from the Civilian project with the proprietary naval scene, what management decision was Mr. Hanquet likely to have taken? Yes, make your customers happy, complete orders on hand with the cylinders available. Hence, a new variation was born. For additional thoughts on this subject check chapter 3.3.1.3 of the Civilian page.

 

 

3.4.2

Cavalry Models 2nd Variation – Key Features

 

Barrel	8″
Barrel marking	CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK    „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Cylinder	fluted
Finish	„traditional“ blue and case colours (b cch)
Prefix F	F above serial numbers of barrel lug of pistol and top of buttplate of shoulder stock in two lines, other serial numbers without prefix in one line
Logo	walking centaur
Chambers	small
Hammer spur	4th version
Comments	Produced in 1971 only, serial number range of RNMAs and Marshals 1st variation with prefix F added. Discovered in Belgium, Germany and the U.S.A.

 

3.4.2.1

Shoulder Stocks of the Cavalry Models 2nd Variation

 

Before we discuss these Cavalry 2nd variation and their sub-variations it is prudent to take another look at the peculiarities of their shoulder stocks. Where indicated this is done in comparison to the stocks of the Cavalries 1st variation.

How can you tell this shoulder stock you found at a gun show or in a pawn shop is not Italian but was made by Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) during the early 1960s for the Cavalry 1st variations; or, in 1971, for the 2nd variations? As FROCS #14, Chain-Fire, from the U.S.A. discovered in March 2018 disassembly and inspection of the butt plate will likely provide the answer. The one thing the „early“ and the „late“ Belgian shoulder stocks made for these Belgian Cavalries have in common throughout their production is the interior surface of the butt plate. Upon inspection, you can see that the interior surface of e.g. Italian buttplates is flat while the interior surfaces of all known Centaure buttplates have a raised border which surrounds the butt portion of the plate

Outer contours and specs of wood and metal parts of Cavalry 1st and 2nd variation shoulder stocks are seemingly the same. As per Chain-Fire’s test of 2011 it does not come as a surprise that Cavalry pistols of the 2nd variation cannot be mounted to stocks of the 1st variation and vice versa. The difference of these newer stocks of 1971 production is „under the brass“. It is in their stamps and marks. Close-ups of the shoulder stock of #F11166 pictured below shall serve as example to share these details with you:

 

3.4.2.1_1 Typical marks in wood of shoulder stock of Cavalry #F11166: Hash marks mean assembly number 23

 

3.4.2.1_2 Typical border on the inside of butt plate of all F.A.U.L. made shoulder stocks; assembly number 23 stamped on inside of butt plate of shoulder stock of Cavalry #F11166

 

3.4.2.1_3 Bottom tang mortice of shoulder stock of Cavalry #F11166: No marks

 

3.4.2.1_4 Yoke of shoulder stock of Cavalry #F11166: Note assembly number 23

 

Maker’s marks: Contrary to the shoulder stocks of the Cavalry 1st variations, no maker’s marks were found in the wood of these Cavalry 2nd variation stocks. We do not know if F.A.U.L. switched their 1971 source from Italy’s SILE company as the maker of roughly contoured wood for the stock to another supplier.

Assembly numbers in brass furniture: Most butt plates and bottom tangs were stamped with an assembly number matching the numbers in the wood – hash marks or pencilled digits – of the butt or in the bottom mortice if the latter was marked at all.

Assembly numbers in the wood of the butt: Except for stock #F10715 where the assembly number was pencilled in the wood, and #F11076 where none was found, hash marks were cut into the wood of the other stocks.

Assembly numbers in the bottom mortice: Only in two stocks the bottom mortice could be checked for the assembly number, none was discovered.

 

Shoulder Stock	Butt Wood	Butt Plate	Bottom Mortice	Bottom Tang
#F10715	25 pencilled	25	not known	25
#F11076	none	2	not known	not known
#F11103	5 hash marks	5	not known	not known
#F11105	24 hash marks	24	none	24
#F11132	17 hash marks	not known	not known	17
#F11166	23 hash marks	23	none	23

 

3.4.2.1.1

Cavalry Models 2nd Variation 1st Sub-Variations

 

Like the Cavalry Model 1st variation from the early 1960s the 2nd variation has its sub-variations, too. As mentioned elsewhere the re-launch of the Cavalry Models in 1971 is said to be suggested by Peter Harlos of then F.A.U.L.’s German exclusive importer and Western guns dealer Bärbel Harlos of Schwäbisch Hall. After the launch in 1971 Harlos had to realize that the Belgians had problems having shoulder stocks made in sufficient numbers.

 

4th pair of screws	extend ca. 1,88 mm/.074 in from the frame
Arbor	3rd version
Comments	Variants known were discovered in Belgium, Germany and the U.S.A. One specimen from the U.S.A. is recorded with a matching shoulder stock.

 

3.4.2.1.1_1 Typical specimen of Cavalry 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #F11117 from 1971 liberated in the U.S.A. in 2008: Note „short“ 4th screw and 4th variation hammer spur (picture courtesy Terushi Jimbo, Düsseldorf/Germany)

 

3.4.2.1.1_2 Atypical specimen of Cavalry 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #F10705 lowest serial number currently known: Note custom checkering of grip and regular high profile front sight

 

3.4.2.1.1_3 Left side Close-up of Cavalry #F11117: Note arrangement of visible serial numbers prefix F above serial number on barrel lug only

 

3.4.2.1.1_4 Length of 4th or guiding screws of Cavalry #F11117: Longer screw for right, shorter one for left side of frame

 

3.4.2.1.1_5 Breech view of cylinder of Cavalry #F11117: Note last digits 117 of serial number

 

Custom embellished Centaure #F11295, below, was sold by a German dealer through Egun auction house in March 2009. One previous owner had her nickel plated and wedge and three screws of frame fire blued. This pistol has a rebated, plain replacement cylinder installed. Hence, digits on the breech side of the cylinder 650 are not matching the gun.

 

3.4.2.1.1_6 Custom nickel-plated Cavalry #F11295 discovered in Germany: Note cylinder replaced by plain rebated variant, custom modified front sight

 

Combo #10715, pictured below, is currently the only Cavalry 2nd variation 1st sub-variation found fitted with a matching shoulder. She was discovered in the U.S.A. The number 716 on the breech side of the cylinder is not matching the gun.

 

3.4.2.1.1_7 Left side view of #F10715: Looks like another typical Cavalry 2nd variation 1st sub-variation except for the matching shoulder stock

 

3.4.2.1.1_8 Right side view of #F10715 with matching shoulder stock attached

 

3.4.2.1.1_9 Close-up of right side of Cavalry #F10715 with shoulder stock attached: Note short 4th screw supporting stock

 

3.4.2.1.1_10 Serial number stamped on top strap of butt plate of stock of Cavalry #F10715: Note prefix F over digits 10715 in two lines

 

3.4.2.1.2

Cavalry Models 2nd Variation 2nd Sub-Variations

 

4th pair of screws	extend ca. 6,00 mm/.236 in from the frame
Arbor	3rd and 4th version
Comments	Variants documented were discovered in Belgium, Germany and the U.S.A. Most were found with matching shoulder stock

 

3.4.2.1.2_1 Fine example of this breed Cavalry 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #F11166 with matching stock attached

 

3.4.2.1.2_2 Butt strap of shoulder stock of Cavalry Model #F11166: Note how the prefix F and serial number are stamped in two lines

 

Cavalry 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #F11103, presented below, was liberated NIB at the Sinsheim gun show in Germany on April 8, 2011. One dealer sold her together with a Civilian 1st variation for the heirs of a collector from Heidelberg. #F11103 was sold in a wooden presentation case of English fit with red interior and a couple of round balls, but without a shoulder stock or other accessories. The Dixon flask has been added for the picture only.

 

3.4.2.1.2_3 Typical specimen of Cavalry 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #F11103 liberated cased in Germany: Note high profile front sight

 

There were no traces on frame, grip or backstrap indicating that a stock was ever attached to this pistol. This may confirm that Cavalries 2nd variation 2nd sub-variations could be had without shoulder stock back then. As was to be expected after the tests Chain-Fire had performed in April 2011 the shoulder stock #F400 of Cavalry 1st variation 1st sub-variation #F490 of 1962 would not fit this 1971 made 2nd variation #F11103.

 

3.4.2.1.2_4 Close-up of Cavalry #11103: Note walking centaur logo and „long“ 4th screw extending from frame

 

3.4.2.1.2_5 Butt view of Cavalry #F11103: Note MADE IN BELGIUM and the stamp B.HARLOS RIEDEN in two lines, then German Centaure importer and dealer

 

As you will have noted on above picture the buttstrap of #F11103 has the two line Harlos importer mark B.HARLOS RIEDEN stamped over the MADE IN BELGIUM country-of-origin mark.

This is not the end of the story of lonely and solitary Cavalry pistol #11103. In December 2013 I received a message from our good Swiss pard and fellow FROCS #80 Arizona Pete. Pete and family are residing in Belgium for ages already. Arizona Pete had learnt about my revolver #11103. He owned – surprise, surprise – the matching shoulder stock. A couple of years ago he had liberated the stock to „transform“ one of his RNMAs into a handy little carbine.

„You can have my stock #F11103 to reunite your Cavalry family. But get me an Italian shoulder stock in exchange, please …“

God bless Arizona Pete’s golden Swiss heart. I found an Italian shoulder stock on the double without asking any further questions. A week later and in due time for Christmas the reunion was celebrated.

 

3.4.2.1.2_6 Cavalry #F11103 finally mated with her original shoulder stock: Note the fine patina of the brass

 

„What belongs together is growing together“ … after 40 years at last (slightly modified quote of former German Chancellor Willy Brandt).

 

3.4.3

Cavalry Models – Pricing and Serial Number Ranges

 

3.4.3_1 Ad of Centennial Arms Corp. from ca. 1961: THE CENTENNIAL aka TYPE 3 aka Cavalry 1st variation 1st sub-variation combo was quoted at U.S. $ 144.50

 

In 1962 the Centennials Arms Corp. special was U.S. $ 139.95 for a Cavalry Model complete with detachable shoulder stock. During the same period just the Cavalry pistol would have been $ 89.95, the stock only $ 59.95. In 1964 the cost for the complete set was up to $ 144.50!

During the second half of the 1960s gunsmith and dealer J. Roberts and Son in London would have taken ₤ 50 for the complete Cavalry 1st variation set. But as they told me a few year back they never had any available for sale.

Your friendly German importer or dealer would have sold you a Cavalry 2rd variation pistol with or without centaur logo medallions inlaid into the grip in 1972 at DEutsch Mark 337.50.

 

Cavalry Models	Lowest Serial Number	Year	Highest Serial Number	Year	Total	%
1st Variation
1st Sub-Variation	F1	1960	F1000	1963	9671)	96.7
2nd Sub-Variation	F126	1961	F946	1963	201)	2.0
3rd Sub-Variation	PPO2)	1961	F620	1962	5	0.5
“Colterized”	888	1961	8890	1863	8	0.8
1st Variation Subtotal					1,000	100.0
2nd Variation
1st Sub-Variation	F10705	1971	F11295	1971	38	21.0
2nd Sub-Variation	F11072	1971	F11293	1971	143	79.0
2nd Variation Subtotal					187	100.0
Total					1,195	100.0

1)       Includes custom engraved Cavalries assumed pieces of art from Horacio Q Acevedo

 

Updated December 24, 2023

© Mike, Neely & Wolf 2007/2023

All rights reserved!