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 t 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” barrelled 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