Chapter 3 – Models & Variations of the Centaure

3.2 First Model or Regular New Model Army (RNMA)

 

3.2 3.2.1   3.2.1.1 3.2.1.1.1 3.2.1.1.2 3.2.1.1.3 3.2.1.1.4 3.2.1.1.5 3.2.1.1.6   3.2.1.2 3.2.1.2.1 3.2.1.2.2 3.2.1.2.3 3.2.1.2.4   3.2.1.3 3.2.1.3.1 3.2.1.3.2 3.2.1.3.3 3.2.1.3.4 3.2.1.3.5 3.2.1.3.6   3.2.1.4 3.2.1.4.1 3.2.1.4.2 3.2.1.4.3 3.2.1.4.4   3.2.1.5 3.2.1.5.1 3.2.1.5.2 3.2.1.5.3 3.2.1.6. 3.2.1.6.1 3.2.1.6.2 3.2.1.6.3 3.2.1.6.4 3.2.1.6.5   3.2.1.7. 3.2.1.7.1 3.2.1.7.2

First Model or Regular New Model Army (RNMA) Common Characteristics of the Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) RNMA 1st Variation – Key Features RNMA 1st Variation 1st Sub-Variation RNMA 1st Variation 2nd Sub-Variation RNMA 1st Variation 3rd Sub-Variation RNMA 1st Variation – Extra Cylinders RNMA 1st Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges RNMA 1st Variation – FAQ   RNMA 2nd Variation – Key Features RNMA 2nd Variation 1st Sub-Variation RNMA 2nd Variation 2nd Sub-Variation RNMA 2nd Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges RNMA 2nd Variation – FAQ   RNMA 3rd Variation – Key Features RNMA 3rd Variation 1st Sub-Variation RNMA 3rd Variation 2nd Sub-Variation Recollections of contemporary Witness Paul Roberts RNMA 3rd Variation 3rd Sub-Variation RNMA 3rd Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges RNMA 3rd Variation – FAQ   RNMA 4th Variation – Key Features RNMA 4th Variation 1st Sub-Variation RNMA 4th Variation 2nd Sub-Variation RNMA 4th Variation 3rd Sub-Variation RNMA 4th Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges   RNMA 5th Variation – Key Features RNMA 5th Variation 1st Sub-Variation RNMA 5th Variation 2nd Sub-Variation RNMA 5th Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges   RNMA 6th Variation – Key Features RNMA 6th Variation 1st Sub-Variation RNMA 6th Variation 2nd Sub-Variation RNMA 6th Variation 3rd Sub-Variation RNMA 6th Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges RNMA 6th Variation – FAQ   RNMA 7th Variation – Key Features RNMA 7th Variation – Serial Number Ranges RNMA 7th Variation – Pending Issues

 

3.2.1

Common Characteristics of the Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs)

 

The findings on these Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) are based on recent reviews and new evaluations of the transatlantic research program executed by Panhandle Paden in Lubbock, Texas and I in Hofheim, Germany. Available for the task were 1,393 regular production specimens recorded in the survey of this Centaure & FROCS website https://wp.1960nma.org/ per August 2022.

 

Barrel	8″
Frame	3-screw, recoil shield with notches for the attachment of a shoulder stock
Co. of origin mark	usually MADE IN BELGIUM on butt
S/N prefix	none
Comments	The Centaure model most often observed. Some variants were exclusively available in the U.S.A. or Europe.

 

Seven (7) variations and their many, many sub-variations of this 1st Model or Regular New Model Army (RNMA) have been discovered and documented since 2007 when this project was started. The variants are described and pictured below in some detail. Roughly 81 % of the total Centaure production accrued over the five (5) basic models are made up of RNMAs.

No rules without exceptions: During the early 1960s Centennial Arms Corp. of Chicago’s suburb Lincolnwood, IL. especially ordered a number of RNMAs (and Civilians and Cavalries as well – check subject chapters 3.3 and 3.4 for details) right off the production floor „in the white“ without any marks, markings and proof tests for their Colterization projects.

Until sometime in 1970 backstraps were welded together from 2-parts with the buttstrap bent-over. We call this the 1st version or early backstrap. They were made with and without a toe on the butt. Most RNMAs carry the country-of-origin mark MADE IN BELGIUM on the buttstrap. The mark was placed there by a manual operation.

A few RNMAs recorded are fitted with buttstraps without the country-of-origin mark. Why? Please, consider these explanations:

1) Human factor, the technician in charge at F.A.U.L. on the production floor simply forgot to stamp the buttstrap because it was one of these Mondays,

2) More often these were special order New Model Armies for sale within Belgium. Included are some Centaures sold at the U.S. PX in Brussels. These pistols came eventually into their respective home countries with their (NATO) owners like to France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, the U.S.A. etc.,

3) Or they were special order pistols for an external engraving task.

From some time in 1970 the 2nd version backstraps was manufactured as 1-piece casts. The country-of-origin mark of these RNMAs was an integrated element of the cast.

 

3.2.1.1

RNMA 1st Variation – Key Features

 

Cylinder	rebated, plain
Finish	„traditional“ blued/color case hardened (b cch)
Comments	Produced from 1959 to 1973.

 

The 1st variation of the RNMAs was the first variant produced from 1959. With its rebated, plain cylinder and traditional finish this is classic Centaure. More importantly it is The Mother of All New Model Armies (NMAs).

The three (3) sub-variations of the RNMA 1st variation combined account for ca. 40 % of all Centaures produced.

 

3.2.1.1.1

RNMA 1st Variation 1st Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	yes
Logo	none
Barrel marking	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Chambers	large
Arbor	1st version
Hammer spur	1st and 2nd version
Comments	Produced between 1959 and 1961. Few very early ones are model guns stamped with Ms instead of visible serial numbers, see chapter 3.1.2. This sub-version was imported to and sold in the U.S.A. only.

 

3.2.1.1.1_1 #87 typical specimen of RNMA 1st variation 1st sub-variation made in 1959 for the official U.S. launch, discovered in January 2010 in the preowned drawer of a gun shop in Las Vegas, NV.: Note „as new condition“, no centaur logo on forward left side of frame,1st version hammer spur, oiled grips

 

3.2.1.1.1_2 Left side view of #313 another early production RNMA from 1960: Discovered in the U.S.A. in January 2020, no logo, original carton

 

3.2.1.1.1_3 Right side view of RNMA #313: Note brilliantly polished traditional finish, varnished grips and the historically correct low-profile front sight like the 19th century Colt 1860s

 

3.2.1.1.1_4 Butt strap of RNMA 1st variation 1st sub-variation #128: Note toe on butt, country-of-origin mark MADE IN BELGIUM between screw head and toe

 

3.2.1.1.2

RNMA 1st Variation 2nd Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	yes
Logo	rampant (early) or walking centaur (intermediate and late production)
Barrel markings	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Chambers	in line with production period large (early), mide-size (intermediate), small (late)
Arbor	in line with production period all four (4) versions (early to late) are found
Hammer spur	in line with production period all four (4) versions (early to late) are found
Comments	Produced between 1961 and 1973. Sold on both sides of the Atlantic.

 

3.2.1.1.2_1 Typical specimen of early production RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #2851 from 1963: Note early low-profile front sight, rampant centaur logo, 3rd version hammer spur

 

3.2.1.1.2_2 Typical specimen of late production RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #10012 from 1970: Note high-profile front sight, walking centaur logo, 4th version hammer spur

 

3.2.1.1.2_3 Butt strap of RNMA #10422: Note country-of-origin mark MADE IN BELGIUM, upside down stamped 2-line German importer mark of B. HARLOS RIEDEN on left side of toe

 

3.2.1.1.3

RNMA 1st Variation 3rd Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	no
Logo	walking centaur (intermediate and late production)
Barrel markings	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Chambers	in line with production period mide-size (intermediate) and small (late)
Arbor	in line with production period 2nd, 3rd and 4th versions
Hammer spur	3rd version
Comments	Produced between 1966 and 1970, available on both sides of the Big Pond.

 

3.2.1.1.3_1 Typical specimen of 1969 production RNMA 1st variation 3rd sub-variation #8706: Note medium-high profile front sight, 3rd version hammer spur

 

3.2.1.1.3_2 Close-up of RNMA #8706: Barrel marking reads „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK

 

3.2.1.1.3_3 Close-up of RNMA #8706: Walking centaur logo on forward left side of frame

 

3.2.1.1.3_4 Butt strap of RNMA #8706 without toe

 

3.2.1.1.4

RNMA 1st Variation – Extra Cylinders

 

Back then U.S. shooters could purchase extra cylinders for their 1st variation RNMA at U.S. $ 14.95 from Centennial Arms Corp. of Lincolnwood, IL., suburb of Chicago. Their choice was either the one engraved with the Centaure proprietary naval scene (RNMA 2nd variation) or the one with the Colt/Ormsby-style naval scene as installed in the RNMAs 3rd variation.

In Great Britain during the 2nd half of the 1960s and early 1970s the Centennial Arms Corp. sole dealer J Roberts & Son of London would let you have extra cylinders engraved with either the Centaure proprietary naval engagement scene or the U.S. engraved one in Colt/Ormsby-style at ₤ 5.

If you were looking in Germany for an extra the cylinder during the early 1970s you had more options. You could select one with the Centaure proprietary naval scene. Every other cylinder style like fluted could be ordered available for other variations of the RNMAs. You were to order the cylinder either through your dealer, gunsmith or directly from F.A.U.L.

Incidentally, extra cylinders with the proprietary naval scene were numbered in a separate block, i.e. they were not matching the pistol for which they were ordered. The other cylinders came unnumbered on their breech side. Usually, the smith would stamp the last digits of the Centaure’s serial number to which the extra was to be mated on the extra cylinder.

 

3.2.1.1.5

RNMA 1st Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges

 

If you were shopping for a Regular New Model Army 1st variation in the early 1960s in the U.S.A. main Centaure dealer Centennial Arms Corp. of Lincolnwood quoted U.S. $ 99.95 on their official price list. But they were great on special offers, see below ads from 1961 and 1963.

 

3.2.1.1.5_1 Centennial Arms pricing in 1961: RNMA 1st variation U.S. $ 89.95, extra cylinder with battle scene (must have been Centennial proprietary one) U.S. $ 14.95

3.2.1.1.5_2 Centennial Arms Corp. special of August 1963: RNMA 1st variation plus free bullet mould plus free powder flask at U.S. $ 79.97

 

10 years later in 1972 Centennial Arms Corp. had officially dropped their prices to U.S. $ 89.95 in their attempt to fight-off Italian competitors buying their way into the market.

 

3.2.1.1.5_3 Centennial Arms Corp. Parts List of 1960s

 

During the second half of the 1960s and the early 1970s J. Roberts and Son in London, Great Britain was sole agent of Centennial Arms Corp. They offered the RNMA 1st variation at ₤ 32.

 

3.2.1.1.5_4 Bärbel Harlos ad from ca. 1972: Price for the RNMA 1st variation was DEM 337.50 (top pistol)

 

In Germany during the early 1970s dealer and importer Bärbel Harlos of Schwäbisch Hall would ask DEutsch Mark 337,50 for RNMAs 1st variation with medallions in the grip (first from top).

 

RNMA 1st Variation	Lowest Serial Number	Year	Highest Serial Number	Year	Total	%
1st Sub-Variation	1	1959	1141	1961	1,095	17.0
2nd Sub-Variation	843	1960	14270	1973	3,0421)	47.1
3rd Sub-Variation	5376	1966	10628	1970	2,2771)	35.2
MSRs	6464 (88484)	1967	13709 (51971)	1973	25	0.4
„Colterized“	935	1961	17568	1963	51)	< 0.1
„Others“	PPO2)		PPO2)		10	0.2
Total					6,454	100.0

1)       Includes. custom engraved RNMAs 1st variation

2)      PPO = pictorial proof only

 

Back then your friendly French or German gun dealer could get you this RNMA 1st variation 2nd sub-variation from around 1971/72 with optional silvery Centaure logo medallions inlaid into the grip at no extra cost.

 

3.2.1.1.6	RNMA 1st Variation – FAQ
Q: “If the Centaures were introduced to provide U.S. reenactors and shooters with a Colt 1860 Army pattern pistol to commemorate the Civil War from 1961, and these RNMAs 1st variation were the first variants of the line available why are their cylinders not featuring the traditional roll engraved naval engagement scene of Colt Armies and Navies from the Civil War and Post Civil War era?”
A: No personal accounts are available from William B. Edwards, Sig Shore in the U.S.A. or the Hanquet family in Belgium or else explaining this decision. IMHO it is a fair guesstimate that Bill Edwards and Sig Shore wanted to have their Belgian Armies ready for sale in the USA in due time before the centennial of the Civil War festivities in 1961. They managed this with their launch campaign from 1960. We can disregard thoughts that the two (2) Edwards model guns which the RNMAs 1st variation replicate, were so worn out that no more cylinder scene was detectable for copying. In his capacity as the Civil War historian and Colt collector Edwards was fully aware of the cylinder engravings of originals. But it takes time to having a die made for this particular task and organizing production to include the actual engraving. Tight production or shipment schedules at F.A.U.L. to meet the due dates before the projected U.S. launch date in 1960 as a cause for the lack of this feature sound like a viable concern, too. Consider this thought: William B. Edwards was the “driver” of the Centaure project during the late 1950s/early 1960s among his many other projects. He must have been somewhat biased regarding his brainchild Centaure. As a respected Civil War historian and Colt collector in the U.S.A. he realized that „his“ Belgian Colts were sold through „his“ company Centennial Arms Corporation to U.S. shooters, reenactors but also to Colt collectors. To these latter U.S. initiates, he was the one to be blamed if Centaure parts were discovered in cases of fakery of original Colt Armies. That was a serious issue. Therefore, he had F.A.U.L. built the Centaures with subtle differences to the Civil War Colt 1860 Armies. The advanced Colt students will notice this immediately, like the “Centaure step”, the less pronounced “S” curve of the barrel lug, the shallow rifling of .446 caliber, or the backstrap being welded from 2 bend-over parts, whereas Colt used a 1-part forged backstrap in the 19th century. Through this approach Edwards hoped to prevent situations where Centaures were getting connected to easy fakery of the real thing, by the powerful Colt Collectors‘ Associations. There might have been other considerations as well. During the early phases of the Centaure project the prime objective was to provide reenactors and shooters with a high quality, functional and rugged, no-nonsense C&B revolver of Colt 1860 pattern at a decent price. The objective was a 100 % historically correct display piece. This could be another explanation for the plain cylinder as opposed to one with a Colt/Ormsby-style naval scene roll-engraved. Today we know Edwards’s concerns regarding fakery were unfounded. Interesting enough, the Gregorelli & Uberti (G.U.) made Colt 1851 Navy pattern from the 1959/60 production period have no cylinder engraving either. To bring this aspect into perspective it should be remembered that Edwards was the one responsible for that Italian project as well.

 

3.2.1.2

RNMA 2nd Variation – Key Features

 

Cylinder	Centaure proprietary naval engagement scene similar to the Colt/Ormsby-type but with less background details
Cylinder marking	NEW MODEL 44 between the scene’s ends
Cylinder legend	none on regular production RNMAs
Finish	„traditional“ blued/color case hardened (b cch)

 

The first RNMA 2nd variation was part of the first batch of Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) produced in 1959 as model gun #M5 already, see chapter 3.1 for details. However, full size production of this variant commenced in 1962 only.

3.2.1.2_1 Right sight view of RNMA #1833 displayed on the U.S. flag with accessories and Slim Jim holster

 

The stylized scene of a naval engagement on the cylinders of these RNMAs 2nd variation, the Civilian Models, a few 1st variation Cavalry Models or Pocket Armies resembles the roll-engraving of the cylinders of Colt 1851 and 1861 Navies, the 1860 Army and the 1871/72 Open Top with less background details, however. Hence, collectors call it Centaure proprietary naval scene today.

Why the Belgians shied away from copying the Ormsby naval scene found on the Colts like the Italian replica makers did is open for speculations. Our thoughts regarding this subject are spelled out in above para titled 3.2.1.1.6 RNMA 1st Variation – FAQ.

 

3.2.1.2_2 Close-up of cylinder scene of RNMA 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #2722: Note cylinder is roll-engraved with Centaure proprietary naval scene, NEW MODEL 44 marking between the scene’s ends

 

3.2.1.2.1

RNMA 2nd Variation 1st Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	yes
Logo	rampant centaure
Barrel markings	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CHICAGO U.S.A. CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Chambers	in line with production period large (early) and mid-size (intermediate)
Arbor	in line with production period 1st and 2nd versions are found
Hammer spur	in line with production period 1st,2nd and 3rd versions are found
Comments	Produced between 1959 and 1964. This variation is known from Canada, New Zealand and the U.S.A.

 

Did you notice F.A.U.L. fitted the Centaure ‘til the mid-1960s with nicer grained grips compared to the later production?

 

3.2.1.2.1_1 „Clinical“ left side view of typical specimen of RNMA 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #1833 from 1962: Note historically correct low profile front sight and pretty grained grips

 

In 2009 a thoughtful U.S. pard felt sorry for me because I could not obtain an RNMA 2nd variation of early production here in Europe. This U.S. cowboy liberated above #1833 for me. She has a new home in a German herd now. Thanks, pard.

 

3.2.1.2.1._2 Left side view close-up of barrel lug/cylinder/frame of RNMA #1833: Note „early style“ proof marks on barrel lug, frame and cylinder and rampant centaur logo on frame

 

RNMA 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #2535 was discovered in the used gun display of a Swiss gun shop in spring 2009. How she got to Switzerland from the U.S.A. is not known. She carries the barrel marking „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“              CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CHICAGO U.S.A. of 1963.

The cylinder of #2535 is stamped 353, not 535 as one would expect. This makes her a somewhat iffy RNMA 2nd variation. In addition to the usual country-of-origin stamp MADE IN BELGIUM on the butt strap there is a second such mark stamped between the top of the barrel marking and the proof marks on the left side of the barrel lug, s. picture below.

 

3.2.1.2.1_3 RNMA #2535 second MADE IN BELGIUM mark found stamped on barrel lug

 

3.2.1.2.1_4 Eye candy: Right side view of consecutively numbered pair of RNMAs 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #1813 and #1813 discovered in November 2019 at a U.S. auction house …

 

3.2.1.2.1_5 Pair of RNMAs #1813 and #1814 of 1962 production with their original cartons with original serial number stickers still in place …

 

3.2.1.2.1_6 … both share barrel marking „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ …

 

3.2.1.2.1_7 (From left) Visible serial numbers of #1813 …and #1814 properly placed on barrel lug, frame and triggerguard …

 

3.2.1.2.1_8 … left side view: Note 2nd version hammers and pristine condition of the pair!

 

3.2.1.2.2

RNMA 2nd Variation 2nd Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	yes
Logo	walking centaur
Barrel marking	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK
Chambers	small
Arbor	3rd version
Hammer spur	3rd version
Comments	Produced between 1969 and 1970. This variation is known from Germany and the Netherlands only.

 

Until July 2010 we were led to believe F.A.U.L. had fabricated RNMAs 2nd variation between 1961 and 1964 only without any sub-variations. That was what we had discovered until July 2010. Along comes the 1st Annual Meeting of the FROCS on July 17/18 2010 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this first ever industrially manufactured licensed Colt 1860 Army pattern pistol after the termination of their making in Hartford of 1873.

On this occasion gunsmith, master gunsmith, conversion artist and FROCS #77 Sliding Horse presented an unusual RNMA 2nd variation #9036. Her serial number meant 1969 production. She had all matching numbers. Typically for that later production period there was no the toe on the butt which was present on all RNMAs 2nd variation known from the earlier period.

This find established that the RNMAs 2nd variation were made in 2 sub-variations, namely an “early” one with toe – now called 1st sub-variation – and a “late” one aka 2nd sub-variation without the toe on the butt. After this first introduction to this new 2nd sub-variations a few more have surfaced like #9686 pictured below.

 

3.2.1.2.2_1 Impressions of RNMA 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #9683: Note 3rd version hammer spur, proprietary Centaure naval scene on cylinder and mid-size front sight

 

3.2.1.2.2_2 Grip and frame assembly of RNMA #9683: Note oiled grip, loading channel and notch in recoil shield, 3rd version arbor

 

3.2.1.2.2_3 Left side view close-up of RNMA #9683: Note walking centaur logo, Centaure proprietary naval scene on cylinder and notch of recoil shield

 

3.2.1.2.2_4 Butt strap of RNMA #9683 without toe for the attachment of a shoulder stock

 

Based on the inspection of the few currently documented specimens the RNMAs 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation they were assembled during 1969/70 for the European market only. No specimens have surfaced in the U.S.A.

 

3.2.1.2.3

RNMA 2nd Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges

 

Back in the early 1960s Centennials Arms Corp. in the U.S.A. would have charged you with U.S. $ 89.95 for an RNMA 2nd variation 1st sub-variation.

For the later manufactured RNMA 2nd variation 2nd sub-variations no quotes from European dealers have been discovered.

J. Roberts and Son in London Great Britain, however offered RNMAs 2nd variation during the second half of the 1960s and early 1970s at ₤ 37 (but never stocked any).

 

RNMA 2nd Variation	Lowest Serial Number	Year	Highest Serial Number	Year	Total	%
1st Sub-Variation	M51)	1959	3989	1964	1,5522)	96.8
2nd Sub-Variation	9036	1969	9683	1970	49	3.1
“Others”	PPO3)				2	0.1
Total					1,603	100.0

1)       M marked model gun #M5 with cylinder legend ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843

2)      Includes custom engraved pistols. Some of these pieces of art are assumed to be the work of Horacio Q. Acevedo.

3)      PPO = pictorial proof only

 

3.2.1.2.4	RNMA 2nd Variation – FAQ
Q: “How come that the first decision regarding naval scenes on Centaure cylinders was reversed and RNMAs 2nd variation were introduced with this Centaure proprietary naval scene but not the one in Colt/Ormsby-style?”
A: IMHO William B. Edwards realized early after the launch of the 1st variation RNMA his fears related to fakery were unfounded, because only a few of the Colt collectors got up in arms. Most of them were rather pleased to own a reasonably priced 1860 Army pattern pistol now as a shooter made of much stronger steel than the pricey pieces of the 19th century. Hence, Edwards’ anxiety selling a Belgian made Colt Army pattern revolver in the U.S.A. with a Centaure proprietary naval scene – see stories on the Centaure Civilian and Pocket Army Model – was unjustified. However, the management of F.A.U.L. was not prepared to approve the making of RNMAs i.e. fast moving stock fitted with cylinders engraved in Colt/Ormsby-style. For reasons unknown the Belgians only produced and delivered Centaures roll-engraved with their Centaure proprietary naval scene. In my humble opinion, the reason for the introduction of this 2nd variation RNMA, the extra cylinders mentioned elsewhere but also the launch of a few Cavalry Models with these cylinders was $$$$$. This way the Centennial Arms management helped F.A.U.L. to sell more Centaure variants fitted with these ill-fated cylinders with the proprietary naval scenes like from the slow moving Civilian and Pocket Army Model projects. By this move they expected to be able to bridge the gap until a die was finally available to engrave plain RNMA 1st variation cylinders at the Centennial Arms shop (!) with the Colt/Ormsby scene (see next chapter 3.3.1.3 ff on RNMAs 3rd variation).

 

 

3.2.1.3

RNMA 3rd Variation – Key Features

 

Cylinder engraving	Colt/Ormsby-style naval engagement scene
Cylinder legend	ENGAGED 16 MAY 1843
Finish	„traditional“ blued/color case hardened (b cch)
Comments	The Colt/Ormsby-style cylinder engraving was applied at the Centennial Arms Corp. shop, Lincolnfield, to plain cylinders of RNMAs 1st variation. The RNMA 3rd variations were actively marketed in the U.S.A. between 1964 and 1971. Sig Shore hand-carried 50 Centaures to British dealer J. Roberts & Son in the mid-1960s incl. RNMAs 3rd variation as compensation for a military surplus gun deal. RNMA 3rd variation specimens known from the European mainland are private imports.

 

Centaures with cylinder engravings of the Centaure proprietary naval engagement scene found on Civilians, a few early Cavalries, Pocket Army 1st variation and the RNMA 2nd variation described in the previous chapter were produced by F.A.U.L in Belgium. However, as proven by the somewhat limited sales volume of these pistols through Centennial Arms in the U.S.A., these models did not really meet the demand of North American reenactors and shooters.

Therefore, around 1961 Bill Edwards and Sig Shore of Centennial Arms Corp. of Chicago’s suburb Lincolnwood (CACC) hired Thomas “Tom” Haas to produce a roll cylinder die with the Colt/Ormsby naval scene as used for many Colt C&B revolver models and the 1871/72 Open Top of 19th century fame. Because the two Centennial Arms managers felt their North American buyers would prefer this type of cylinder scene on Belgian Colt 1960 Army pattern pistols. According to recent research it is a fact the die was made by Haas’s then associate Horacio Q. Acevedo.

Incidentally, Tom Haas was a noted “custom manufacturer-gun maker” of early Colt revolvers and friend with Bill Edwards and Sig Shore. Among other activities Haas made (or had made?) guns to “duplicate” originals like his famous series of Colt 1847 Walkers which demand five digits U.S.-$s at auctions today. You can read more about that subject and the role the Centaures played in the scenario in chapter 1, check the pages on the Motherload.

 

3.2.1.3_1 Typical specimen of cylinder of RNMA 3rd variation 2nd sub-variation #5252 roll-engraved 1966 at Centennial Arms shop with Colt/Ormsby-style naval scene on cylinder

 

Early on Acevedo (on Haas’s behalf?) experimented with design modifications of the Colt/Ormsby die like with different markings between the naval scene’s ends. These experimental roll-engraved cylinders were perfect. Once the final design was agreed upon with the marking CENTENNIAL between the scene’s ends the die was heat treated for hardness, but it shrank 1/1000 in. Therefore, the engraving would not cut deep enough.

Acevedo made a new die oversized. This one shrank to proper size when it was heat treated. These activities of Centennial Arms in the U.S.A. explain why this variation of the RNMA was only available through Centennial Arms Corporation and its dealers but not officially in Continental Europe.

 

3.2.1.3_2 Reference gun in the Shore collection RNMA 3rd variation #2 with experimental Colt/Ormsby-style cylinder scene: Note cylinder marking CENTENNIAL between the scene’s ends

 

Back in the 1960s Centennial Arms Corporation ordered the majority of their Centaures – through sister company Mars Equipment – from Fabriques d’Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) with their cylinder blank, i.e. regular RNMAs 1st variation. Their naval scene was added at Centennial Arms’s shop in Lincolnwood, IL 60712, U.S.A.

Regular cylinder roll engraving operations of these RNMAs 1st variation turned RNMAs 3rd variation commenced in earnest around 1963 with the 2nd sub-variation. The RNMAs 3rd variation 3rd sub-variations were added in numbers in 1966.

 

3.2.1.3.1

RNMA 3rd Variation 1st Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	yes
Logo	rampant (early), walking centaur (intermediate and late production)
Cylinder marking	experimental CENTENNIAL or COLTS PATENT marking with serial number between the scene’s ends
Logo	None or rampant centaur
Barrel marking	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Chambers	large
Arbor	1st version
Hammer spur	1st and 2nd version
Comment	Prototype, production between 1961 and 1962.

 

Only very few surviving specimens of these RNMAs 3rd variation 1st sub-variations with experimental cylinder engravings are known. Some pistols like #2 (pictured above) or #96 in the Centaure data bank must have been originally RNMAs 1st variation reference samples in the Centennial Arms inventory. They were turned RNMAs 3rd variation in the period 1961/62 as part of the trials with the first die. Other early RNMAs 3rd variation below serial number around #1400 yet to be discovered should belong to this category, too.

#1423 below was found sold at a U.S. internet auction as early as 2006. Probably less than 10 of these prototypes were made.

3.2.1.3.1_1 Cylinder of RNMA #1423: Note serial number between the cylinder naval scene’s ends

 

3.2.1.3.2

RNMA 3rd Variation 2nd Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	yes
Cylinder marking	CENTENNIAL between the naval scene’s ends
Logo	rampant (early), walking centaur (intermediate and late production)
Barrel markings	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Chambers	In line with period of production large (early), mid-size (intermediate) and small (late)
Arbor	in line with period of production all 4 versions
Hammer spur	in line with period of production2nd, 3rd and 4th versions
Comment	Produced between 1963 and 1971.

 

3.2.1.3.2_1 Left side view of RNMA 3rd variation 2nd sub-variation #5252 from 1966 upon arrival in Germany in 2009: Note mid-size front sight and rampant centaur logo

 

3.2.1.3.2_2 „Clinical“ right side view of RNMA #5252: Note 3rd version hammer spur

 

3.2.1.3.2_3 RNMA 3rd variation 2nd subvariation #4798 from  1965: Note toe right side of country-of-origin mark MADE IN BELGIUM

 

3.2.1.3.3

Recollections of Contemporary Witness Paul Roberts

 

 

3.2.1.3.3_1 Civil War picture on the back of the leaflet drawn by John Coletta

 

 

3.2.1.3.3_2 Cover of the J. Roberts and Son Centaure leaflet from the 1960s

 

Until June 2020 only a few Centaures are recorded for the United Kingdom in the data bank of the Centaure & FROCS website https://wp.1960nma.org/. Hence, the recollections of contemporary witness Paul Roberts add to our understanding of this phase of the Centaures’ life during the middle of the 1960s in Great Britain. Considering this import of 50 Centaures give or take a few from the U.S.A. it appears that J. Roberts and Son was a major seller of Centaure in the United Kingdom during this period.

After more inquiries here is what additional first-hand information Paul Roberts shared on July 7, 2015:

 

 

3.2.1.3.3_3 Pages of the J. Roberts and Son leaflet: Three (3) Centaure Models are displayed on the left page (top down): Civilian, RNMA, Cavalry Model.

 

3.2.1.3.4

RNMA 3rd Variation 3rd Sub-Variation

 

Notch on butt	none
Cylinder mrking	CENTENNIAL between the naval scene’s ends
Logo	walking centaur
Barrel markings	„1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“ CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK „1960 NEW MODEL ARMY“
Chambers	In line with period of production large (early), mid-size (intermediate) and small (late)
Arbor	in line with period of production 3rd and 4th version
Hammer spur	in line with period of production 3rd and 4th version
Comment	Produced between 1966 and 1970. A few RNMAs 3rd variations 3rd sub-variations are recorded without the cylinder marking CENTENNIAL.

 

3.2.1.3.4_1 Right side view of typical specimen RNMAs 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation #8196 from 1968: No toe on butt

 

3.2.1.3.4_2 Left side view of RNMA #8196: Note 3rd version hammer spur

 

RNMA #9176 is an „as new“ example of this 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation. She was liberated in the U.S.A. and later imported to Europe to live happily thereafter in a Centaure herd in Germany.

 

3.2.1.3.4_3 Almost typical specimen of RNMA 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation #9176 from 1970: Note lack of toe on butt, nicely grained grip and the superb case colors of the frame ….

 

There is one feature making #9176 rarer than many others of the RNMAs 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation, check picture below.

3.2.1.3.4_4 … Close-up of cylinder of #9176: No cylinder marking CENTENNIAL between the scene’s ends attributed to a worn-out die

 

Other RNMAs 3rd variation 3rd sub-variation without CENTENNIAL marking? A check of the Centaure data bank revealed a few solitary serial numbers as well as a cluster during the production period 1969/70 sharing this characteristic. They are #8612, #8722, #8900, #9036, between #9176 – #9240, and #9694 and #9953.

 

3.2.1.3.4_5 Close-up of butt of RNMA #7638 from 1968: Note no MADE IN BELGIUM stamp on the butt strap, typically no toe on the butt

 

3.2.1.3.5

RNMA 3rd Variation – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges

 

Centennial Arms Corporation of Chicago, IL, U.S.A. would charge you 1962 U.S. $ 89.95 for a Centaure RNMAs 3rd variation.

According to their catalogue pictured elsewhere J. Roberts and Son in London capital of Great Britain offered the RNMA 3rd variation during the second half of the 1960s and early 1970s at ₤ 37.

 

RNMA 3rd Variation	Lowest Serial Number	Year	Highest Serial Number	Year	Total	%
1st Sub-Variation	2	1959	1423	1962	7	0.2
2nd Sub-Variation	2597	1963	11484	1971	1,980	50.3
3rd Sub-Variation	5485	1966	10120	1970	1,942	49.3
MSRs	8408 (18408)	1969	8408 (18408)	1969	5	0.1
„Colterized“	51511	1963	51522	1963	11)	< 0.0
“Others”	PPO2)		PPO2)		2	< 0.1
Total					3,937	100.0

1)       Only specimens currently known #51511

2)      PPO = Pictorial proof only

 

3.2.1.3.6	RNMA 3rd Variation – FAQ
Q: “And finally the correct Colt/Ormsby-type naval engagement scene on the cylinder? What kind of a logic is this after all?”
A: IMHO flexible response to market pressure. Starting with a few experimental pistols made during the time when the Civilian Models and RNMAs 2nd variations were still being actively promoted. When Italy’s Uberti had launched their Colt 1860 replica in April 1963 with the historically correct naval scene plus all marks and marking Centennial Arms Corp, principal U.S. dealer of the Centaures, felt it was high time to reconsider the earlier lukewarm „wait and see“ position. Consequently, they altered most of the originally plain cylinders of their RNMA 1st variation imports to 3rd variation specs by applying the Colt/Ormsby-style naval once Horacio Q Acevedo’s made subject die was available. Shying away from the never occurring conflict with Colt collectors they had the marking CENTENNIAL engraved between the naval scene’s ends from 1963. They never dared to add the period correct patent mark PAT. SEPT. 10th 1850 nor the legend Engaged by W.L. Ormsby New York referring to Ormsby like the Italians did. These „original“ marks and markings you will find only the on Centaures „colterized“ by Horacio Q. Acevedo. Incidentally, the correctness of the Ormsby reference on 1860 Army cylinders can be argued.

 

3.2.1.4

RNMA 4th Variation – Key Features

 

Cylinder	fully fluted
Logo	walking centaur
Finish	„traditional“ blue/color case hardened (b cch)
Chambers	small
Comment	Rare RNMA variant, recorded pistols were found in Europe only.

 

Many collectors this scribe included consider this RNMA 4th variation variant the most gracious of them all! Because her slim lines are further accentuated by the fluted cylinder.

 

3.2.1.4.1

RNMA 4th Variation 1st Sub-variation

 

Notch on butt