Chapter 3 – Models & Variations of the Centaure

3.5 Fourth or Marshal Model

 

3.5 3.5.1 3.5.1.1 3.5.1.1.1 3.5.1.1.2 3.5.1.2 3.5.1.2.1 3.5.1.2.2 3.5.1.2.3 3.5.1.3 3.5.1.4

Fourth or Marshal Model Common Characteristics of the Marshal Models Marshal Models 1st Variation – Key Features Marshal Models 1st Variation 1st Sub-Variation Marshal Models 1st Variation 2nd Sub-Variation Marshal Models 2nd Variation – Key Features Marshal Models 2nd Variation 1st Sub-Variation Marshal Models 2nd Variation 2nd Sub-Variation Marshal Models 2nd Variations – FAQs Marshal Models – Pricing and Serial Number Ranges Thoughts about International Availability of Marshal Models.

 

3.5.1

Common Characteristics of the Marshal Models

 

It is our impression that the management of Fabriques d’Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) was not really interested in another line extension of a Colt Army Model 1860 pattern percussion pistol with a short barrel. Remember their special-order experience with 4” barrel Pocket Army Model of 1962 sans loading lever. Because back then this Pocket Army did not meet the expected sales. That is until 1971 when Peter Harlos of exclusive German Centaure importer and mail order dealer Bärbel Harlos talked them into the making of a 5,5” belly gun.

As for a finish the modern stainless look was chosen. For contrast, loading lever latch, wedge, nipples and visible screws – except for the loading lever screw – were blued. A short loading lever was fixed to the pistol for some convenience. That is what our research told us until October of 2019.

 

Barrel	5,5″
Barrel marking	none
Cylinder	regular production fluted, rebated in factory engraved specimens
Frame/grip frame	recoil shield notched, toe on butt
Logo	walking centaur
Chambers	small
Hammer spur	4th version
Comment	Produced between 1971 and 1973.

 

The Centaure Marshal Model, as this new pistol was termed, was an immediate success with European shooters. A few of the Marshals made it to the Republic of South Africa and at least one pistol is recorded from the U.S.A.

At the last count during August 2022 there were 222 Marshals recorded in the data bank of the Centaure & FROCS website https://wp.1960nma.org/.

Currently, we recognize two major variations of the Marshal Model. Namely,  the Marshals 1st variation with high gloss polish/“in the white“ fitted with 3-screw frames and serial numbers without prefix and the 2nd variation with 4-screw frames and serial numbers with prefix F above the serial number on the barrel lug.

 

3.5.1.1

Marshal Models 1st Variation – Key Features

 

Frame	3-screw frame
Finish	high gloss polish/“in the white“ aka stainless look, special heat treatment as rust protection
Prefix	none
Comment	Serial number range of RNMAs.

 

Between 1971 and 1973 the Belgians manufactured their Marshal Models 1st variation in two sub-variations, details below.

 

3.5.1.1.1

Marshal Models 1st Variation 1st Sub-Variation

 

Front sight	bead
Muzzle	Crowned & „round“; diameter of barrel at muzzle averaged 16.55 mm/.652 in; transition from muzzle to loading lever latch averaged 4.95 mm/.195 in
Arbor	3rd version
Comment	Produced in 1971 in one small batch of a bit over 50 units only. Discovered in Belgium, France and Germany.

 

Of this short-lived Marshal 1st variation 1st sub-variation only ca. 60 units were produced in 1971. This variant is easily identified by the bead type front sight whereas all other Marshal variants have the blade type front sight installed like you find in the 7,5” and 8” barreled New Model Armies (NMAs).

 

3.5.1.1.1_1 Typical specimen of Marshal 1st variation 1st sub-variation #11327 from 1971: Note 4th variation hammer spur, bead front sight and blued wedge and loading lever latch

 

3.5.1.1.1_2 View of muzzle area of Marshal #11337: Note typical „round“ muzzle crown, bead front sight and short transition from muzzle to loading lever catch

 

3.5.1.1.1_3 Muzzle view of Marshal #11327 features typical bead front sight and crowned & “round” muzzle

 

3.5.1.1.1_4 Left side view of Marshal #11325: Note blued wedge, loading lever latch and screws (except loading lever screw)

 

3.5.1.1.2

Marshal Models 1st Variation 2nd Sub-Variation

 

Front sight	blade
Muzzle	crowned, slightly rounded; diameter of barrel at muzzle averaged 17.44 mm/.687 in; transition from muzzle to loading lever latch averaged 4.96 mm/.195 in
Arbor	3rd and 4th version
Comment	Produced between 1971 and 1973, reported from Europe, Republic of South Africa and the U.S.A.

 

3.5.1.1.2_1 Typical specimen Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #13829 from 1973: Note blued screws , wedge and loading lever latch, walking centaur logo, high profile front sight

 

3.5.1.1.2_2 Visible serial numbers of Marshal #13829

 

3.5.1.1.2_3 Marshal #13829 disassembled in major parts: Digits on cylinder are three last digits of S/N 829, note 4th version square ended arbor

 

3.5.1.1.2_4 Typical crowned and slightly rounded muzzle of Marshal #12142, blade front sight, blued loading lever latch

 

3.5.1.1.2_5 Typical specimen of Marshal #12529 from 1972 fitted with medium size front sight

 

What is unusual about Marshal #13402 pictured below? No, it is not the varnished grips. They are rare; but, not unusual. So, what is it, pards & pardettes?

 

3.5.1.1.2_6 Right side of Marshal #13402 looks pretty regular

 

Check the left side of the barrel, may be? The polished “white” head of the wedge screw? No, that was an act of some kitchen table gunsmithing!

 

3.5.1.1.2_7 Left side view of barrel assembly of Marshal #13402: Note „white“ head of wedge screw

 

Take a closer look at the barrel lug. There you are … the Liège proof house has stamped the caliber mark upside down. See close-up below!

 

3.5.1.1.2_8 Caliber mark stamped upside down on Marshal #13402

 

3.5.1.1.2_9 Left side view of Marshal #13053 of 1972 production: Personalized, antiqued and somewhat colterized, owner’s initials B.H. and coin inlaid in grip

 

If you think many Centaures were colterized during the 1970s think again and take a look at above and below pictures of Marshal #13053.

 

3.5.1.1.2_10 Barrel marking of Marshal #13053 reads ADDRESS . SAML . COLT . HARTFORD . CT. almost like the real thing

 

The first owner was an avid Colt aficionado and a gunsmith. Hence, he personalized his Marshal by adding Colt markings and antiqueing the finish of his 1972 production Marshal.

This unique piece was brought to the attention of the FROCS community on occasion of the Centaure exhibition at the 4th Annual Meeting of the FROCS on July 20/21, 2013 in Jügesheim, Germany.

 

3.5.1.1.2_11 Right side view of Marshal #13053: CSA and some ornamentation custom carved in grip

 

Are these short-barrelled Marshals any good as shooting irons? Do you hit what you are aiming at?

 

3.5.1.1.2_12 Marshal #12098 fired off-hand at 25 m/26 yards

 

You bet. Not bad if the shooter is doing his or her part, see target above! 13 rounds fired from #12098 off-hand at 25 m/26 yards!

There are a few fancy, custom engraved Centaure Marshals 1st variation 2nd sub-variation floating out there. In contrast to the factory engraved Marshals with rebated cylinders the artist had to deal with fluted cylinders. This can be a particular challenge.

 

3.5.1.1.2_13 Right side view of a piece of „steel canvas“ on Marshal #13692, a piece of art rom an unknown Belgian engraver

 

3.5.1.1.2_14 Left side view of Marshal #13691: The artist managed to integrate proof marks and centaur logo in this embellishment

 

3.5.1.1.2_15 Eye candy Marshal #12696 from 1972 factory engraved in De Luxe style: Factory engraved Marshals were fitted with rebated cylinders

 

 

 

3.5.1.2

Marshal Models 2nd Variation – Key Features

 

Frame	4-screw frame, 4th pair of screws almost flush with frame
Front sight	blade
Arbor	3rd version
Prefix F	F above serial numbers of barrel lug in two lines, other serial numbers without prefix in one line
Comments	Produced in 1971 only. Serial number range of RNMAs and Marshals 1st variation with prefix F added.

 

Although the total number of documented Marshals 2nd variation amounts to only five, by August 2022 already two sub-variations were recognized: 

1)      Variants with high gloss/“in the white“ or stainless look finish aka 1st sub-variation,

2)     Variants with „traditional“ blue and case colors aka 2nd sub-variation.

These five specimens of these two sub-variations make these Marshal variants extremely rare and highly desirable collectors‘ pieces. But, because of this low total number of recorded Marshals 2nd variations there remain pending questions, too. These can hopefully be answered once more of these Marshals are available for physical inspections. Until then consider the information presented here as preliminary findings, please.

 

3.5.1.2.1

Marshal Model s2nd Variation 1st Sub-Variation

 

Finish	high gloss polish/“in the white“ or stainless look, special heat treatment as rust protection, like Marshals 1st variation
Muzzle	crowned, slightly rounded; exact measurements of diameter of barrel at the muzzle and transition from muzzle to loading lever latch are not available; they could be close to the Marshals 1st variation 2nd sub-variation
Comment	Very rare, reported from Austria and Germany.

 

Two specimens of the Marshal 2nd variation 1st sub-variation are currently known and documented as good as we can in the survey. They are #F11280 sold by an Austrian dealer in 2010 and #F11282 discovered in Germany, pictures below.

 

3.5.1.2.1_1 Impressions of Marshal 2nd variation 1st sub-variation #11282 from 1971: Discovered in Germany with 4th version hammer spur …

3.5.1.2.1_2 Visible serial numbers of Marshal #F11282

 

3.5.1.2.1_3 … close-up left side view of Marshal #F11282: Note walking centaur logo, blue-turned-white of screws and wedge …

 

3.5.1.2.1_4 … Marshal #F11282 disassembled in major parts: Note 4th version arbor, four digits on cylinder mismatching pistol reading 2222 (4th digit 2 stamped over 1) …

 

3.5.1.2.1_5 … buttstrap of Marshal #F11282 with country of origin mark MADE IN BELGIUM

 

3.5.1.2.2

Marshal Models 2nd Variation 2nd Sub-Variation

 

Finish	„traditional“ blue and case colors (b cch) like Cavalries 2nd variation
Muzzle	crowned, „flat-cut“; diameter of barrel at muzzle averaged 16.48 mm/.649 in; transition from muzzle to loading lever latch averaged 6.38 mm/.251 in
Loading lever	blued
Comment	Very rare, reported from Belgium and Germany only.

 

Three specimens of the Marshal 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation are recorded, namely #F11510, #F11514 and #F11553. The first one was discovered earlier in Belgium in 2009, the other two later in Germany in the fall of 2019. #F11510 is considered a somewhat iffy candidate, read her story further down below.

Here are a few pictures of #F11514: All matching numbers except for the grip which is 88. The latter might be a F.A.U.L. replacement explaining the bad fit with the triggerguard.

 

3.5.1.2.2_1 Marshal 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #F11514 from 1961: Note 4th version hammer spur

 

3.5.1.2.2_2 Frame of Marshal #F11514, case colors, 3rd version arbor, walking centaur logo, 4th screw almost flush with frame

 

3.5.1.2.2_3 Crowned, „flat-cut“ muzzle of Marshal #F11514

 

3.5.1.2.2_4 Small parts of Marshal #F11514: All matching  numbers except grip stamped 88

 

Marshal #F11553 was discovered in October 2019. Her physical took place a month later. According to the previous owner and dealer the original front sight had gone missing when he purchased her from another dealer a few years ago.

 

3.5.1.2.2_5 On rediscovery day in October 2019 Marshal 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #F11553 of 1971 production: Front sight gone missing, 4th version hammer spur

 

3.5.1.2.2_6 Visible serial numbers oft Marshal #F11553: Typically prefix F over S/N on barrel lug only, no prefix over S/N on frame and triggerguard

 

3.5.1.2.2_7 Muzzle view of Marshal #F11553: Note crowned and „flat-cut“ muzzle, professionally replaced front sight

 

3.5.1.2.2_8 Close-up left side view of Marshal #F11553: Note „molested“ head of wedge screw, walking centaur logo, „short“ 4th screw almost flush with frame

 

3.5.1.2.2_9 Marshal #F11553 disassembled in major parts, digits 553 on cylinder, 3rd version arbor, notches in recoil shield

3.5.1.2.2_10 Butt view of Marshal #F11553: Note toe on butt, German importer stamp B.HARLOS RIEDEN applied over country of origin mark

 

3.5.1.2.2_11 Left side view of Marshal #F11553 after replacement of front sight: What a cute piece

 

As mentioned before #F11510 pictured below was classified as a Marshal 2nd variation 1st sub-variation when she was discovered in Belgium in 2009; because, we did not know any better and the next Marshal 2nd variation only surfaced in 2010. Marshal #F11510 was not available for physical inspection. Only the pictures could be analysed. Different picture editing programs were used to answer some pending questions; but, many remain.

 

3.5.1.2.2_12 Left side view of Marshal #F11510 from Belgium: Country of origin mark was not detectable on butt

 

Look at these dark stains. They could be remains of not completely removed bluing and case colors of a previously „traditional“ finish applied at F.A.U.L. This would imply Marshal #F11510 left the factory as a 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation. After some discussions with other Centaure collectors the decision was taken to classify Marshal #F11510 as a 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation and not a 2nd variation 1st sub-variation.

 

3.5.1.2.2_13 Close-up visible serial numbers of Marshal #F11510: Note typical prefix F over 11510 on barrel lug, but frame and triggerguard without prefix

 

3.5.1.2.2_14 Close-up left side of Marshal #F11510: What are these black stains?

 

What do you think of Marshal #F11510, pards & pardettes? Is she a bona fide 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation? Please, share your opinion with us, send an email to info@niederastroth.com.

 

3.5.1.2.2_15 Comparing two Marshals of 1971 production: Top „white“ 1st variation 1st sub-variation #11337, bottom „black“ 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation #F11553

 

3.5.1.2.3	Marshal Models 2nd variation – FAQs
Qs “Why did F.A.U.L. introduce a 4-screw variation of the Marshal Model and why is there this difference in diameters of muzzles and lengths of transition to the loading lever catch among the sub-variations?”
A1: IMHO this is another attempt to use up surplus stocks of 4-screw frames and „short“ guidance screws from the Cavalry 2nd variation project. If you check the serial numbers of these Marshals 2nd variation they are in the same range as are the Cavalry Models 2nd variation. They share the same F-prefix stamped over the serial number under the barrel lug. It stands to reason these Marshals are short-barrelled Cavalry Models in high gloss white or and traditional finish, respectively!
A2: Comparing measurements of Marshals 1st variation 1st sub-variation to their 2nd sub-variations are considered a viable exercise: The 2nd sub-variations‘ diameter of the barrels is approx. 1.00 mm/.039 inch larger at the muzzle than those of the 1st sub-variation whereas their transitions‘ lengths are comparable. Due to the small sample of Marshals 2nd variation such comparisons are difficult. There seem to be two trend lines. We can assume the diameters at the muzzle of Marshals 2nd variation 2nd sub-variation are about the same as the Marshals 1st variation 1st sub-variation. But, also ca. 1 mm/.039 inch less than the Marshals 1st variation 2nd sub-variation. Where the Marshals 2nd variation 2nd sub-variations stand out is in the length of the transitions. These are ca. 1.40 mm/.055 inch longer (!) than the other three sub-variations of the Marshals. As to the why I can offer a few speculations: Marshals 1st variation 1st sub-variations and Marshals 2nd variations were small-size, even tiny, and trial batches only in the #F11280 to #F11553 range of serial number, see chapter 3.5.1.3 below for details. Obviously, their making required a lot of manual fitting and adjustments which could explain the variables. The full-size and regular production of Marshals 1st variation 2nd variation commenced with #11962 until the end of the Centaure production in early summer of 1973.

 

3.5.1.3

Marshal Models – Pricing, Serial Number Ranges

 

3.5.1.3_1 Flyer of German dealer Bärbel Harlos from 1972: Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation with medallions in grip is first on right

 

Back in 1972 Centaure importer and mail order gun dealer Bärbel Harlos of Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, would have charged you DEutsch Mark 337.50 for a plain Marshal Model with or without medallions in the grips.

 

3.5.1.3_2 Ad of German dealer Waffenhaus Stanglmeier of Munich offered Marshals factory engraved in De Luxe style at DEM 658.00 in 1972: Note 1st pistol on the left

 

The factory engraved Marshals in De Luxe style were available with a rebated cylinder only. A few German dealers stocked them. Waffenhaus Stanglmeier of Munich offered this variant at DEM 658.00.

 

 

Marshal Models	Lowest Serial Number	Year	Highest Serial Number	Year	Total	%
1st Variation
1st Sub-Variation	11298	1971	11351	1971	60	6.6
2nd Sub-Variation	11957	1971	14296	1973	8161)	90.5
De Luxe factory engraved	12677	1972	13654	1972	26	2.9
1st Variation Subtotal					902	100.0
2nd Variation
1st Sub-Variation	F11280	1971	F11282	1971	6	40.0
2nd Sub-Variation	F11510	1971	F11553	1971	9	60.0
2nd Variation Subtotal					15	100.0
De Luxe factory engraved	12677	1972	13654	1972	26	2.9
Total					905	100.0

1)       Includes custom engraved Marshals

 

3.5.1.4

Thoughts about International Availability of Marshal Models

 

Most of the Marshal Models were reported from Europe; namely, Belgium, Germany, France, Great Britain, Luxemburg, Poland and Switzerland. Most documented variants are Marshals 1st variation 2nd sub-variations, with a few De Luxe factory and custom engraved specimens interspersed among them, and one 2nd variation 2nd sub-variations discovered in Belgium.

We are in contact with the owner of a Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #14106 from down-under in South Africa. This one can be traced back to a purchase from German Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) importer and dealer Bärbel Harlos during the 1970s.

In November 2012, the first Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #12243 of 1972 making was reported from the U.S.A. by some sales representative in California. This agent special-ordered two Centaures from Belgium. The other was an RNMA 6th variation 2nd sub-variation #12242. There are no European dealer stamps to be found on these two pistols. This is an indication these European only Centaures could be had in the U.S.A. as special-order guns. A second Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation #13807 surfaced during the summer of 2020 in a U.S. cowboy forum. This one had already been recorded in the survey by a German owner in 2011. Hence, she was likely privately imported a few years back. Considering only two Centaure Marshals over all variations and sub-variations are confirmed in the U.S.A. by August 2022 it is fair to assume that their total is not exceeding 20 specimens in this country west of the Big Pond. But more likely the total number is less than 10!

 

 

Updated December 29, 2023

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