Chapter 4 – Fiction, Odds and Ends
4.4 Pieces of Art from Liège
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4.4 4.4.1 4.4.1.1
4.4.1.1.1 4.4.1.2 4.4.1.3
4.4.1.4
4.4.2 4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
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Pieces of Art from Liège Factory Engraved New Model Armies (NMAs) De Luxe Grade Factory Engraved Regular New Model Armies (RNMA’s) The U.S. Kit Gun De Luxe Grade Factory Engraved Marshal Models Super De Luxe Grade Factory Engraved Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) Presentation Grade Factory Engraved Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) Signature Quest Clusters of Serial Numbers of Factory Engraved New Model Armies (NMAs) Prices and Serial Number Ranges of Factory Engraved New Model Armies (NMAs) FAUL Sampler and Wishful Thinking
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4.4.1 |
Factory Engraved New Model Armies (NMAs) |
Confides Lesley Field, former manager of Mars Equipment, the company of Shore Galleries of Lakewood, IL, U.S.A. which in charge of the import of the Centaures from Belgium: “F.A.U.L. hired the same engravers for their factory engraved Centaures who also worked for well-known Fabrique Nationale d’Armes (F.N.) of Herstal, Belgium”.
4.4.1_1 Presentation-style factory engraved RNMA #12422 from 1972
Another U.S. source and Nadine Hanquet herself, last President of Fabriques d‘Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.), added a few more pieces of information. They should help with a better understanding of these factory engraved New Model Armies (NMAs). It was one René Delcoer (*March 28, 1930 – † Jan. 14, 2012) who was deeply involved and in charge of this F.A.U.L. program as a free-lancer. Between 1963 and 1992 Delcoer worked as senior engraving instructor and lecturer at Léon Mignon l’Ecole de Gravure (Léon Mignon Engraving School) of Liège. It was at this famous school where he had learnt the art of engraving from scratch from as early as the age of 13! Only in 2000 did he retire after his 57 years career as engraver. Between 1946 and 1956 he had worked for F.N. Browning, then spent two years in the U.S.A. to learn the push graver technique, before joining F.N. again in 1858 until 1963. After his second venture with F.N. he worked as an engraving teacher at the afore mentioned engraving school. Over time Delcoer developed his own engraving style as a hammer & chisel engraver. Most of his work was on shotguns and handguns like deep engraving, carving, gold inlay, animal scenes, monograms etc. One of his great challenges as a professional was the engraving of the firearms collection of Odin J. and Douglas H. Beck of Corpus Christi, TX, U.S.A. This task was two or three months each year from 1967 and lasted a couple of years.
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Please note: |
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If and to what extend star students of Delcoer were involved in the engraving task of these Centaures still needs to be established. We strongly believe he did not do all the art-work himself.
According to German dealer catalogues and advertisements from 1972 and 73 Fabriques d’Armes Unies de Liège (F.A.U.L.) and their dealers offered only(!) two Centaure models as factory engraved variants. Both models have rebated cylinders:
- Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) 5th variation 2nd sub-variation in de Luxe, Super de Luxe and Presentation grade engraving style,
- Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation in de Luxe grade engraving style only.
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4.4.1.1 |
De Luxe Grade Factory Engraved Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) |
The survey data tell us the De Luxe grade factory engraved RNMAs were introduced sometime in 1971. They were embellished at least until summer of 1973. However, it is very likely this factory engraving program lasted months and possibly years longer than the making of our favorite Belgian percussion revolvers. RNMAs in De Luxe grade are by far the most often discovered factory engraved variants.
De Luxe grade factory engraved RNMAs and Marshals were selected quality; but, taken from regular production after proof testing. This important piece of information implies that barrel markings (of the RNMAs) and the centaur logos were stamped on regular production guns after the proof testing procedure only.
4.4.1.1_1 Highest serial number factory engraved RNMA #14003 from 1973: Note optional grip medallion, 4th version hammer, high profile front sight
4.4.1.1_2 RNMA #11851 from 1971
De Luxe grade factory engraved RNMAs came in high gloss polish/“in the white” (aka stainless look) finish with Colt-style floral hand engraving. Screws on frame and barrel lug and the wedge were blued. Oiled grips were standard, bone grips optional. Further options included silvery centaur medallions in the grip, ditto was carving of the grips available. Consecutively numbered sets are recorded, too like #13139 and #13140 discovered in France.
4.4.1.1_3 Close-up of RNMA #11851: The head of wolf engraving on hammers is typical for all factory engraved NMAs
“Give yourself a treat – get a Centaure safe queen”: On January 20, 2010 German FROCS #30 Lederstrumpf aka Socks took delivery of this RNMA #11850 factory engraved in deluxe grade in as new condition. She came with a display case. And Socks is another happy camper.
4.4.1.1_4 Socks and his new toy RNMA #11850
4.4.1.1_5 RNMA #13432 from 1972 fitted with bone grips and centaur medallions
4.4.1.1_6 Custom cased in French fit with green interior and accessories RNMA #13839 from 1973 fitted with optional carved grips and inlaid centaur medallions, discovered in Germany
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4.4.1.1.1 |
The U.S. Kit Gun |
Here is the story about the unexpected find of a factory engraved Centaure in the U.S.A. Our good U.S. pard and FROCS Chain-Fire brought this RNMA #13988 to our attention. He had discovered her at an auction of GunBroker in December of 2017. A gun dealer from Boulder, Colorado offered what he described as an Italian 1860 Black Powder Pistol, Parts Missing with some sketchy supportive buzz words like engraved and MADE IN BELGIUM.
4.4.1.1.1_1 Chain-Fire’s Italian 1860 Black Powder Pistol at GunBroker in December 2017
Chain-Fire submitted his bid well aware that the grip panels included in the deal were not the factory issued one-piece type but from a Colt 1873 SAA pattern pistol. He had this gut feeling this could be a factory engraved Centaure. None of these Centaures had been reported from the U.S.A. Chain-Fire was the lucky bidder.
4.4.1.1.1_2 Kit gun RNMA #13988 assembled, grip and two screws gone missing
After receipt of the package, he knew he had indeed won a factory engraved RNMA. Interestingly, no U.S. importer mark was found anywhere on #13988. The top of the hammer spur did not have the usual crosshatch oval pattern of serrations; but, straight grooves which run from side to side. And an additional bonus for Chain-Fire as a collector.
4.4.1.1.1_3 Straight grooves on hammer spur of RNMA #13988
4.4.1.1.1_4 Regular crosshatch oval pattern of serrations of hammer spur
A knowledgeable grip maker was needed to replace the grip panels with the correct one-piece type. Two screws were missing, too, namely the small front screw of the triggerguard and the big screw connecting triggerguard and backstrap. But there was a pard, handle Footsore, in the U.S. FROCS community who had these screws newly made. That was the easy part one of the mission.
Regarding the grip Chain-Fire checked with FROCS Gun Fire in Germany if he would make a new grip in F.A.U.L. fashion. The quick email response from Germany „Send me the original backstrap and triggerguard and I’ll take it from there. I just happen to have the right quality of walnut available.“ Chain-Fire packed the parcel and had it air delivered to its destination in Southern Germany. Gun Fire was eagerly waiting all ready to get going.
4.4.1.1.1_5 RNMA #13988 grip frame fitted to one of Gun Fire’s later production RNMA frames
Above and below, I am sharing a couple of pictures of the making of the grip and its hand-fitting to the #13988 grip frame. But first one piece of information everybody should be aware of in a similar situation: Sending a complete pistol over the Atlantic means a lot of paperwork for both parties. In addition, special and mandatory (very pricey) delivery requirements are in place to and fro.
4.4.1.1.1_6 Spacer cut and fitted to backstrap, roughly cut grip panels ready for gluing to the spacer
Hence, this is what Gun Fire did: He screwed backstrap and triggerguard to the frame of one of his RNMAs with a serial number close to Chain-Fire’s pistol and was ready to do the necessary measuring, cutting of the wood for panels and spacer, grinding and finally oiling the finished grip
4.4.1.1.1_7 Grip panels glued to spacer
4.4.1.1.1_8 Serial number #13988 stamped on spacer
4.4.1.1.1_9 Getting closer to the frame – grinding is the name of the game
4.4.1.1.1_10 More grinding
4.4.1.1.1_11 Close but not close enough – final touches before oiling the panels
4.4.1.1.1_12 A reasonable fit of the panels but not good enough!
4.4.1.1.1_14 Triggerguard view of the oiled grips – job almost done
4.4.1.1.1_15 Back in the U.S.A. grip frame with new oiled grip mated to RNMA #13988
By transatlantic cooperation part two of the mission could be accomplished early in 2018!
4.4.1.1.1_16 RNMA #13988 looks good custom cased in English fit with red interior and F.A.U.L. accessories
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4.4.1.2 |
De Luxe Grade Factory Engraved Marshal Models |
Of the Marshal 1st variation 2nd sub-variation factory engraved variants were made, too. Pistols set aside for this program had the rebated cylinder of their long barrelled RNMA brothers installed, not the fluted ones of the regular Marshal production. This rebated contour is just better suited for the task.
4.4.1.2_1 Marshal #12696 from 1972 De Luxe grade factory engraved with F.A.U.L. accessories (picture courtesy Terushi Jimbo, Düsseldorf/Germany)
It seems only three batches of Marshals with their typical high gloss polish/“in the white“ finish (aka stainless look) were used for the making of the factory engraved short-barrelled pistols in 1972. Frame and barrel lug screws, the wedge and the loading lever latch were blued. Also these Marshals could be ordered with an optional centaur medallion in the grip like the RNMAs.
4.4.1.2_2 Marshal #12696 from 1972: Optional grip medallions, 4th version hammer, high profile front sight
4.4.1.2_3 Close-up of left side of barrel lug of Marshal #13529: Note proof marks CAL. .44 and perron left of wedge screw
4.4.1.2_4 Close-up of visible serial numbers of Marshal #13529, note engraving of triggerguard
Incidentally, the first real life specimen of a factory engraved Marshal was rediscovered at a German internet auction house as late as December 26, 2010. She was liberated immediately.
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4.4.1.3 |
Super De Luxe Grade Factory Engraved Regular New Model Army (RNMA) |
In contrast to De Luxe grade pistols of the Regular New Model Army (RNMA) and Marshal variety with their stainless look the extremely rare RNMAs factory engraved in Super De Luxe grade ones have a deep blue finish with silver inlaid bands and bordering. These pieces of art were made to order only at F.A.U.L. Their actions were specially tuned and polished.
4.4.1.3_1 RNMA #13446 Super De Luxe grade factory engraved: The only real-life specimen documented (picture courtesy Terushi Jimbo, Düsseldorf/Germany)
Until November 19 2010 all evidence regarding these Super De Luxe grade engraved RNMAs was hearsay, pictures in catalogues and from advertising in German gun journal DWJ–Deutsches Waffen-Journal. Until one German gentleman and shooter by the name of Whitey Piet rang twice at the house of yours truly. Piet had just completed a deal about a custom chromium plated RNMA De Luxe for the widow of his shooting buddy. He had come to show me this blued and engraved RNMA stuck in his range bag. It looked beautiful and certainly different from all the engraved Centaures I had seen before, see next pictures.
4.4.1.3_2 RNMA #13446 with optional grip medallions
Rich and deep floral engraving covered this Centaure, some 20 % more than what you find on a De Luxe version. There were some silver inlays that would not mind some polishing, like these double bands close to the edge of the cylinder front and the muzzle.
4.4.1.3_3 RNMA #13446: Unique engraved surfaces of loading lever on the left and right and silver inlaid lines
The grip panels were enhanced with the silvery centaur medallion we know from some De Luxe RNMAs and Marshals. Also, please note the engraving of the surfaces of the loading lever. Such a feature has not been found on any of the pistols set aside for the factory engraving program, neither in De Luxe nor in Presentations grade variants.
4.4.1.3_4 Buttview of RNMA #13446 with silver inlaid frame of country of origin mark
The country-of-origin stamp on the butt is framed. Please, notice the engraving on trigger guard and backstrap. Did you spot the head of a wolf on both sides of the hammer? This is a feature of all factory engraved Centaures but is found on many engraved 1st generation Colts, too!
4.4.1.3_5 Visible serial numbers of RNMA #13446 and engraved triggerguard
New information on these RNMAs was discovered in 2016. Another German gentleman from Oberhausen showed yours truly a poster titled Peace Maker. On a red background different models of „peace maker pistols“ were pictured. The print produced in Munich/Germany dated from 1971.
4.4.1.3_6 Typical head of Wolf on hammer of RNMA #13446
Directly below the two Colt SAAs replicas finished in black and „in the white“ there are pictures of two more RNMAs Super De Luxe grade factory engraved RNMAs. They are also fitted with centaur medallions in the grips. No additional facts could be researched like serial numbers. Or, if what looks like gold wire inlays of the RNMAs is actually gold or, more likely, silver with the colours of the print not 100 % true.
4.4.1.3_7 The 1971 Peace Maker poster featuring two more RNMAs Super De Luxe
Anyhow, there is now pictorial proof that two more of this rare breed of Super De Luxe grade factory engraved RNMAs existed for a photo session in 1971. Hence, the count is now three namely #13446 from 1972 presented above and these two from the 1971 poster.
The truth is this: The Super de Luxe grade RNMAs are the rarest of the factory engraved Centaures, rarer even than the Presentation Models described in the next chapter!
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4.4.1.4 |
Presentation Grade Factory Engraved Regular New Model Army (RNMA) |
„F.A.U.L. had every 1000th RNMA enhanced with work profusely engraved and gold inlaid in a quality surpassing the Super De Luxe version“ stated the seller of RNMA factory engraved in Presentation-style #14000. She was the first of this breed discovered a few months after this transatlantic research program was kicked-off in 2007, see the two close-ups below. These Presentations are known with ivory grips only!
4.4.1.4_1 Visible serial numbers of RNMA #14000 with gold inlays, Presentation grade factory engraved
4.4.1.4_2 Buttview RNMA #14000: Note gold framed country-of-origin mark and ivory grips
If you dare to spin the cylinder of one of these RNMAs with the hammer on half cock the engraved and gold inlaid six (6) horses would seem to gallop in the motion, cute little trick!
4.4.1.4_3 Right side RNMA #12418 from 1972 Presentation grade factory engraved
4.4.1.4_4 Left side of RNMA #12422
By the way, are you confused by the pictures of #12418 and #12422 after the intro? It just shows that the above nice little story of every 1000th RNMA is made into a Presentation Model is just that, a further Centaure myth for the campfire, I am afraid!
If somebody is asking you about the weight of the ivory grip: It is exactly 118 grams. The grip is made of three pieces glued together, namely the two panels and a spacer. And yes, the spacer is of ivory, too. In November 2020, Nadine Hanquet, last President of F.A.U.L. provided another piece of information regarding the origin of the ivory used: It came from the Congo, the former Belgian colony in Africa.
4.4.1.4_5 Weight of the ivory grip fitted to the Presentation grade Centaure RNMA
Further information regarding the ivory grips was added by Madame Nadine Hanquet on December 5, 2020. That René Delcour, mentioned above, was in charge 0f the engraving of the Presentation grade RNMAs we know already. Their ivory grips, however, were carved and fitted by another instructor at Léon Mignon l’Ecole de Graveure in Liège. The name of this gentleman is Roger Meurens. Unfortunately, he passed away years ago.
In 2016 a lady from Canada sent an email with pictures attached. She had recently inherited her dad’s gun collection. Included were two custom cased sets of RNMA’s Presentation grade factory engraved with original accessories and serial number certificates of F.A.U.L. Their serial numbers are #13644 from 1972 and #13983 from 1973.
4.4.1.4_6 Two custom cased Presentation grade RNMAs with original accessories and F.A.U.L. certificates, left #13983, #13644 is right
She had added copies of two letters from F.A.U.L. signed by Nadine Hanquet from September 1, 1974, and October 19, 1979, respectively. Among others they stated the total number of RNMA Presentations amounts to 20 specimens only. I have copies of these letters on file for future reference.
4.4.1.4_7 Eye candy for Centaure lovers: Custom cased in French fit with green interior RNMA #13983 with all original accessories
4.4.1.4_8 Certificate-of-origin and proof testing of RNMA #13983
Before you ask there were no importer marks found on these two cased sets reported from Canada.
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4.4.2 |
Signature Quest |
As initiates know gun engravers often sign their steel canvas. These sometimes small signs, signatures or symbols rather can be clearly visible or are integrated in the artwork, respectively. More often they are hidden somewhere on the inside of the gun. That was a fact during the past centuries and still is today. Regarding factory engraved Centaures of our German FROCS #44 Erik Fridjoffson has been searching these signatures for a couple of years already. At the joint FROCS and Verband für Waffentechnik und –geschichte (VDW) Centaure exhibition on occasion of the big gun show in Kassel during fall of 2012 Erik had the opportunity to admire but also to closely inspect a number of these beauties. Then lightning struck and he accepted his new mission so to speak.
On July 6, 2020, Erik and I had a conversation regarding the status of his research. Because I knew he had been taken pictures, inspected, disassembled and reassembled again every factory engraved Centaure he could lay his hands on during his quest. Erik shared a few preliminary results with me and indicated he feels he found the answer to the key questions which are
a) how many artists of René Delcoer’s team were involved in this F.A.U.L. program and
b) which individual engraver of the team embellished a given Marshal or Regular New Model Army (RNMA) in De Luxe, Super De Luxe or Presentation-style.
A publication is pending. I am authorized, however, to tell you this: The answer is hidden behind the symbols engraved in the shoulders of triggerguards and the sides of the ears of backstraps. Among others Erik identified five (5) different symbols over all the ca. 290 factory engraved New Model Armies (NMAs).
4.4.2_1 Blossom on shoulder and ear of RNMA #11851
4.4.2_2 Blossom & hash key on shoulder and ear of RNMA #12418
4.4.2_3 Blossom & score on shoulder and ear of Marshal #12680
Rare Hash keys on shoulder and ear was found of RNMA #11843 but resolution is too low to share.
4.4.2_4 Sun on shoulder and ear of RNMA #13430
4.4.2_5 No rule without exception: Combination hash key on shoulder, blossom & hash key on ear of RNMA #11818
You like to receive more first-hand information? Send Erik an email at erik_fridjoffson@yahoo.de.
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4.4.3 |
Clusters of Serial Numbers of Factory Engraved New Model Armies (NMAs) |
In this table clusters of serial numbers of the factory engraved Centaures by variants are presented. You will note the serial numbers of the four variants will fit in right before, within or after each other. My considered opinion is within a given batch of factory engraved models all three grades of engraving – De Luxe, Super De Luxe and Presentation – could have been applied.
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Nr. |
RNMAs DLa) S/N Range |
RNMAs SDLb) S/N Range |
RNMAs Pc) S/N Range |
Marshals DLd) S/N Range |
Year |
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1 |
#111892) |
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1971 |
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2 |
#11805 – #118362, 3, 4) |
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#118423) |
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1971 |
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3 |
#11849 – #118531, 3) |
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1971 |
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4 |
#12208 – #122263) |
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1972 |
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5 |
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#12415 # – 124223) |
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1972 |
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6 |
#12425 – #124422, 3, 4) |
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1972 |
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7 |
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#12667 – #126982, 3, 4) |
1972 |
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8 |
#12803 – #128233) |
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1972 |
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9 |
#13139 – #13140 4) |
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1972 |
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10 |
131953) |
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1972 |
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11 |
#13326 – #133483, 4, 5) |
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1972 |
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12 |
#13428 – #134443, 4) |
134463) |
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1972 |
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13 |
#134478) |
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1972 |
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14 |
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#13527 – #135293) |
1972 |
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15 |
#13636 – #136433) |
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#136447) |
#13651 – #136543) |
1972 |
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16 |
#13830 – #138523, 4) |
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1973 |
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17 |
#139803) |
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#139837) |
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1973 |
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18 |
#13988 – #139984, 6) |
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#140003) |
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1973 |
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13 |
#14001 – #140033) |
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1973 |
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a) RNMA De Luxe-style factory engraved b) RNMA Super De Luxe-style factory engraved c) RNMA Presentation-style factory engraved d) Marshal De Luxe-style factory engraved
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1) Austria 2) Belgium 3) Germany 4) France 5) Poland 6) U.S.A. 7) Canada 8) Guadalupe/France |
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Another piece of information should be shared here, too: Ca. 50 % of the factory engraved Regular New Model Armies (RNMAs) discovered in France or Poland carry German importer marks, i.e. they were purchased in Germany during recent years. Regarding the Polish ones it implies this happened sometime after 1990 once the iron curtain was down!
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4.4.4 |
Prices and Serial Number Ranges of Factory Engraved New Model Armies (NMAs) |
4.44_1 DWJ journal ad in volume 09/1973, page 929 of German gun dealer Stanglmeier, Munich: Factory engraved Centaures upper left quadrant
At your German gun shop like Bärbel Harlos oder Stanglmeier a De Luxe grade engraved RNMA or Marshal with oiled grips and medallions would set you back DEutsch Mark 658.00 in 1972/73. For the Super De Luxe the price was set at DEM 1698.00, a Presentation-Style gem would cost DEM 2198.00.
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Factory Engraved NMAs |
Lowest Serial Number |
Year |
Highest Serial Number |
Year |
Total |
% |
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RNMAs De Luxe |
11189 |
1971 |
14003 |
1973 |
266 |
83.9 |
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RNMAs Super De Luxe |
PPO |
1971*) |
13446 |
1972 |
5 |
1.6 |
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RNMAs Presentation |
11842 |
1971 |
14000 |
1973 |
20 |
6.3 |
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Marshals De Luxe |
12677 |
1972 |
13654 |
1972 |
26 |
8.2 |
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Total |
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317 |
100.0 |
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*) PPO = pictorial proof only
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4.4.5 |
FAUL Sampler and Wishful Thinking |
In a 1973 issue of German gun journal DWJ–Deutsches WaffenJournal there is a picture of what looks like a Cavalry Model 2nd variation with the shoulder stock attached. The specimen presented is De Luxe grade engraved, the cylinder is of the rebated (!) variety like all the other factory engraved pistols, too. The engraving of the yoke of the shoulder stock matches the gun. Where is it now, where did this beauty find a new home?
4.4.4_1 Is Roger Vryens of F.A.U.L. presenting a Cavalry sampler with shoulder stock attached?
Sorry, due to the low resolution I cannot tell for sure if the pistol Roger Vryens is holding is possibly a 4-screw frame Cavalry. It could be a 3-crew frame RNMA with a shoulder stock attached just as well. If it is a Cavalry 2nd variation did F.A.U.L. make this combo as a sampler? Is it a one of a kind for gun shows and exhibitions and the like? As per August of 2022 we are aware of the late production Cavalry Models aka 2nd variation as plain Jane versions with the fluted cylinders only.
We do not know if a set like the one pictured has been available from F.A.U.L. on special order with rebated/plain cylinder in stainless look, or alternatively in traditional blue/case colors. This would indicate there are further undiscovered variants of the Cavalry Model to be unearthed out there.
If you happen to have information about the whereabouts of the above set or else I like to hear from you, just send me an email to info@niederastroth.com. Thanks a bunch.
Updated December 10, 2024
© Mike, Neely & Wolf 2007/2024
All rights reserved!