Chapter 4 – Fiction, Odds and Ends

4.3 European Eye Candy

 

4.3 4.3.1 4.3.1.1 4.3.1.2 4.3.1.3 4.3.2

European Eye Candy Custom Engraved Centaures of European Engravers Austrian Gem Pieces of Art from Belgium German Eye Catchers Caveat

 

4.3.1

Custom Engraved Centaures of European Engravers

 

 “Many more Centaure percussion revolvers were engraved outside the Belgian factory by me and other engravers than there are known and confirmed factory engraved pistols” muses long-time German master engraver Jürgen Hensel, owner of Rothenburger Waffeneck of Rothenburg/Germany the internationally renowned gun engraving house at www.rothenburger-waffeneck.de.

The „oldest“ New Model Armies (NMAs) custom engraved by European artists and documented in the survey of the Centaure & FROCS website https://wp.1960nma.org/ are currently only known from the 2nd half of the 1960s. These Centaures were embellished by independent engravers from Austria, Belgium and Germany. Factory marks and markings and proof marks were usually integrated into the engraving of the revolvers.

Centaure variants recorded for such projects were primarily Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) 1st variation and 5th variation. Later during the early 1970s a few Marshal Models 1st variation were also embellished. The termination of the Centaure production in 1973, however did not mark the end of external embellisment projects of independent engravers.

 

4.3.1.1

Austrian Gem

 

Master engraver Josef Widemann from Ferlach/Austria embellished RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #7295 of 1968 production. No additional personal details on Widemann could be gathered.

 

4.3.1.1_1 Impressions of RNMA #7295

 

4.3.1.1_2 Embellished by master engraver Josef Widemann from Ferlach/Austria

 

4.3.1.1_3 Barrel marking reads „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK

 

4.3.1.1_4 Proof marks integrated into his steel canvas by act of law!

 

4.3.1.2

Pieces of Art from Belgium

 

Custom engraved and gold inlaid Regular New Model Army (RNMA), 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #6093 manufactured in 1966, was presented by her first owner from Switzerland. This happened on occasion of the 3rd Annual Meeting of the FROCS in Hirschau/Germany in August of 2013.

4.3.1.2_1 RNMA #6093 engraved by undisclosed Belgian master (picture courtesy Terushi Jimbo, Düsseldorf/Germany)

 

Our good pard and FROCS alias Arizona Pete lives in Belgium. During the late 1960s he had a Belgian gunsmith and engraver charged with the task of engraving his Centaure. Unfortunately, Arizona Pete does not recall the name of this artist.

 

4.3.1.2_2 Gold inlaid rings and bordering around muzzle, breech end of barrel, cylinder, frame and recoil shield

 

Gold 4.3.1.2_3 Initials of the proud owner inlaid into backstrap

 

4.3.1.2_4 Close-up of barrel: Note barrel marking and proof marks on barrel lug are integrated in engraving

 

4.3.1.2_5 Close-up of right side: Note delicate inlaid cylinder and barrel lug

 

The two Marshal Models, 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #12662 and #13691 below, left the factory in 1972; but, were discovered in France and Belgium, respectively. The style of their engravings seems to share some similarities. Their engravers, however, are unknown.

 

4.3.1.2_6 Marshal #12662 custom engraved and cased with accessories

 

4.3.1.2_7 Custom engraved Marshal #13691

 

As early as 1967/68 the management of Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) announced plans to provide a custom engraving service for their (Belgian only?) clients. We do not know if the project ever got off the ground. If it became reality were above two Marshals possibly engraved as part of this service program?

 

Only late in December 2022 was the highly embellished Regular New Model Army, 5th variation 2nd sub-variation pictured below,  available for studies. Her serial number is #15085. Therefore, it is another Centaure from out of the regular range of production. Because this gem has been assembled from parts collected at F.A.U.L. by Belgian gunsmith Alain Lapierre after the termination of the Centaure production in 1973.

 

4.3.1.2_8 Right side view of #15085

 

During the period 1988/89 Lapierre completely reworked these parts. This task included the installation of unique modifications as well as refinishing and polishing of all metal surfaces. The 8” barrel used must be from an RNMA of the early 1960s which may have been returned to the factory for reasons unknown after proof testing. Because it features early-type proof marks with * over D inspector mark of René Marchal.

 

4.3.1.2_9 Close-up of left side of #15085: Note early type proof marks with * under D inspector mark on barrel lug, but later type ELG in oval proof on cylinder, no proof marks on frame but “walking centaur logo” integrated into the engraving

 

Marchal served at the proof house between 1951 and 1968. The markings of the barrel top read CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK              1960 NEW MODEL ARMY. This could indicate 1964 production. The hammer spur seems to of the 4th version, i.e. the 1970s.

Note the two-screws arrangement of the plunger of the loading lever. This is a Lapierre creation. The second screw serves to secure the actual lever screw in place.

 

4.3.1.2_10 Top of the barrel markings of #15085: Framed and gold washed during the embellishing process in 1991

 

The engraving and gold washes are pieces of art of one Pierre Dôme from 1991. In 1991 Dôme still was a student of famous Léon Mignon l’Ecole de Gravure (Léon Mignon Engraving School) of Liège. It is our considered opinion he executed this artwork under the direction of René Delcour, senior lecturer at Léon Mignon. You will find additional information regarding Delcour on page 4.4. Dôme may well be another one of the Delcour star students, see YouTube video from 2018 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoEWXW4wdZY.

 

4.3.1.2_11 Visible serial numbers #15085 on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard which is Alain Lapiere’s date of birth, i.e. 15.08.1958

 

It seems Pierre Dôme was able to develop his unique, delicate engraving style early already. It should be mentioned that the flanks of the hammer of #15085 are fully engraved. But, not with the wolf heads most other U.S. engravers associated with Colt seem to prefer. These Wolf heads are found on the the three grades of factory engraved RNMAs and Marshals and on those known from Rothenburger Waffeneck.

 

4.3.1.2_12 & 13 Close-ups of Dôme engraved & gold washed Alain Lapierre’s initials AL into the top of the backstrap (left) of #15085, but his signature with the year of the making 91. somewhat discreet below (right)

 

Compared to factory engraved Centaures and most all other ones we had the chance to inspect, the buttstrap is fully engraved. But, there is no country-of-origin mark. The screws of #15085 are mostly fire blued. The sides of the heads of the wedge screw, the three screws of the frame and the butt screw, however, are engraved and also serial numbered. The latter is visible only during disassembly.

 

4.3.1.2_14 Impressions of embellishments of grip, hammer, cylinder and right side of frame and balle lug: Note gold washed stars on cylinder and AL initials on to of backstrap

 

4.2.1.3

German Eye Catchers

 

Beautifully embellished Regular New Model Army (RNMA), 5th variation 1st sub-variation #7265, from sometime early in 1968, was discovered in France in April 2016 at an auction house.

 

4.3.1.3_1 Custom engraved RNMA #7265 is a beauty

 

According to the description attached to the pistol the custom engraving of oak leaves with silver inlaid bordering had been executed by a German engraver. His or her name was not disclosed.

 

4.3.1.3_2 Visible serial numbers: Note engraved triggerguard

 

The pistol carries two inspector marks: * over T sideways on the barrel lug (Clement Leanen, served from 1952 to 1968), * over Z sideways (Martin Luyten, served also from 1952 to 1968) on frame and cylinder. Despite this finding the Centaure has all matching numbers.

 

4.3.1.3_3 Left side close-up of barrel lug, cylinder and frame

 

4.3.1.3_4 Proof marks on left side of barrel lug integrated in engraving

 

4.3.1.3_5 Details of cylinder and frame engraving, centaur logo maintained, inspector mark * over Z sideways and perron right of logo

 

4.3.1.3_6 More details of the cylinder engraving and silver bordering inlays

 

4.3.1.3_7 Factory roll-engraved barrel marking „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK

 

4.3.1.3_8 Engraving on backstrap

 

4.3.1.3_9 Butt view with country of origin mark

 

4.3.1.3_10 Close-up right side of frame/cylinder/barrel lug assembly

 

4.3.1.3_11 Engraving of lower portion of triggerguard

 

This highly engraved RNMA #7265 truly is a truly piece of art.

RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #11039 of 1971 production was discovered in early summer of 2018 at German internet auction platform Egun. She was offered by a dealer describing her as „lightly engraved on barrel and cylinder and fully chromium plated“.

 

4.3.1.3_12 Left side of RNMA #11039: All visible screws, wedge and hammer blued

 

4.3.1.3_13 Right side, note 4th version hammer spur typical for late production Centaures

 

Extra bluing was applied not only to all (!) visible screws but also the loading lever screw, wedge and hammer. This makes for a pretty contrast. No information is available as to who took care of this embellishment.

Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #13096 was found on German Egun internet auction and liberated on the spot. She was one of the highlights of the joint FROCS & Verband für Waffentechnik und –geschichte (VDW) exhibition of Centaures on occasion of the International Gun Show in Kassel 2012. The previous owner had charged a local engraver with the engraving and carving task but forgot his name.

4.3.1.3_14 Custom engraved Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #13096 from 1972: Note gold inlays, carved grip; CAL .44 on barrel lug and centaur logo on frame are integrated in engraving

 

The next three custom engraved RNMAs share interesting features: Because the style of the engraving, particularly the checkering pattern of the recoil shield and the head of a wolf engraved in the hammers points towards the shop of master engraver Jürgen Hensel of Rothenburger Waffeneck, Rothenburg/Germany.

The first one is a custom cased RNMA 5th variation 1st sub-variation #7714 from 1968 with accessories. We learnt of her in November 2019.

4.3.1.3_15 Custom cased in French fit with red interior, RNMA #7714, case with Dixon flask and cap box, F.A.U.L. engraved 2-cavity mould, Italian nipple wrench

 

A request for details regarding this set was submitted to us by a Swiss gun dealer. He asked for some background information on the engraver. My response must have sounded very promising to him because a few weeks later I stumbled over this cased beauty in the U.S.A. at an internet auction. If memory serves the set was sold eventually for close to 4 grand.

 

-16 4.3.1.3_16 Right side view note deep cut engraving, gold inlays

 

4.3.1.3_17 Left side view, note gold dots on checkerboard pattern of recoil shield

 

4.3.1.3_18 Close-up right side: Note details of engraving and gold inlays, 3rd version hammer spur

 

4.3.1.3_19 Close-up right side of engraving of recoil shied and hammer with head of wolf

 

The head of the wolf engraving you find here on both sides of the hammer is typical for the Colt engraving of their 1860 Armies in the 19th century.

 

4.3.1.3_20 Head of wolf engraved in left side of hammer

4.3.1.3_21 Engraving on top of backstrap and recoil shield

 

4.3.1.3_22 Engraving of backstrap

 

4.3.1.3_23 Butt strap without toe and country-of-origin mark

 

4.3.1.3_24 Top of barrel without barrel marking but gold inlaid emblem

 

4.3.1.3_25 Muzzle view: Crowned muzzle with gold inlaid ring

 

If we suppose the above RNMA #7714 represents the high end or one of a kind top engraving of Rothenburger Waffeneck; then, the next RNMA 5th variation 1st sub-variation #8654 of 1969 below might have been a piece of their medium grade offering.

 

4.3.1.3_26 Left side of RNMA #8654

 

RNMA #8654 was discovered at a gun show in September 2008 in Koblenz, Germany. Her recoil shield features what we believe is the typical Rothenburger Waffeneck checkering pattern. This time barrel, hammer and backstrap have the high gloss polish/“in the white“ look whereas loading lever, cylinder and frame received a bronze plating. The triggerguard features some engraving, too.

 

4.3.1.3_27 Right side close-up: Note head of wolf engraved on hammer, 3rd version hammer spur

 

4.3.1.3_28 Left side close-up: Note details of engraving of backstrap, hammer, recoil shield and cylinder

 

4.3.1.3_29 Butt view: No toe, no MADE IN BELGIUM

 

4.3.1.3_30 No top of the barrel marking

 

4.3.1.3_31 Close-up left side of barrel lug: Note perron to the right and a mite above the wedge

 

Custom cased and engraved RNMA, 5th variation 2nd sub-variation #10203 of 1970 making, was discovered in summer of 2013. She was liberated on the spot in line with the unwritten SOPs of the FROCS. If RNMA #7714 and #8654 are high end and medium grade engraving level, respectively then #10203 could be the entry grade.

 

4.3.1.3_32 Custom cased in French fit, red interior, custom engraved RNMA #10203, Dixon powder flask and cap box, F.A.U.L. nipple wrench, Italian bullet mould

 

4.3.1.3_33 High profile front sight, no barrel marking, engraving pattern similar to #7714 and #8654

 

4.3.1.3_34 Rear view: 4th version hammer spur, similar pattern of engraving of backstrap, recoil shield and frame as found on #7714 and #8654

 

My very personal opinion and observations regarding these three different grades or qualities of custom engraving of RNMAs 5th variation allegedly embellished by Rothenburger Waffeneck, no offense meant:

# If you compare the engraving pattern of the three RNMAs above you will note a lot of similarities. Particularly, I am referring to the checkering pattern of the recoil shield and the backstrap; the style of the floral pattern used on barrel, frame and cylinder; and the pattern selected on the shoulders of the triggerguard. The basic patterns cut appear to be pretty much the same or rather „standardized“. Hence, let’s not call this custom engraving. Semi-custom engraving might be more appropriate. Incidentally, Rothenburger Waffeneck engraved around 100 Centaures over the three grades mentioned between 1968 and 1971.

# If you cannot find the proof marks at first glance rest assured, they are there on all these three RNMAs. They are visible on the rear band of their cylinders (ELG in oval). The perron (arrow or feather duster pointing to the right) is stamped on the left side of the barrel lug (right and a mite above the wedge) and on the left side of the frame under the head of the bolt screw.

 

4.3.2

Caveat

 

Due to the mandatory proof testing of newly fabricated percussion revolvers of European manufacturers custom engraved Centaures must maintain these proof marks, in contrast to what seems to be the rule in the USA.

 

 

Updated January 7, 2024

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