Some of the most beautiful work of this craftsman, and many others, are in this book “Liège Gunmakers through their Work. 1800 - 1950”.
For more detail see: LIEGE GUNMAKERS
Polain Prosper
Polain Prosper
Prosper
Polain Model 1871 DA Revolver
A
center-fire revolver with a closed frame that functions in both single and
double action. The barrel and cylinder move forward to allow the extraction
process.
A
lever under the trigger guard is connected to the cylinder/barrel assembly and
when moved forward carries this assembly forward on the center post The
star extractor remains fixed to the frame thus holding back the cartridges for
extraction. Only one cartridge at a time can be either extracted or loaded at
the level of the loading gate (unlike the similar 1872 Galand with which all
shells can be extracted simultaneously). Raising the loading gate places
the hammer in a safety position. This weapon was patented on September 26, 1871
with the number 29389 for improvements of revolvers and breech loading weapons.
The revolver holds six shots and the octagonal barrel is rifled with 7 grooves
with a right hand twist. The revolver was chambered for the .450 Adams
cartridge. The grips are of ebony and are joined with a screw and two
escutcheons. The grip ends with a metal butt plate and a lanyard ring assembly.
Punches
The
weapon carries the legal punches of the proofhouse of Liège, namely:
ELG over
a star within a vertical oval: which is the stamp of final acceptance, in use
between 1846 and 1893.
Y
crowned: the inspector's mark in use from 1853 to 1877
Other
Marks
P. POLAIN
PATENTS: Prosper POLAIN is the author of 11 firearms patents between 1856 and
1873. He was probably a relative of M. POLAIN then directing the Liege
Proofhouse.
ACIER:
Steel (on the barrel) without comment.
APD (on
the frame under the right grip): of unknown significance, probably a
subcontractor.
GD (in
English script on the right of the barrel assembly): it could be a question of
the mark of Gilles DECORTIS, arms manufacturer who specialized in cylinders, but
that remains to be shown. This monogram was also seen on a FAGNUS revolver with
its cylinder attached to a chain!
24:
probably the serial number
Appendix:
drawing of patent 29389/1871
GG
Polain Prosper
Here are a Prosper Polain centerfire revolver with a sliding barrel and cylinder. As far as I can find out it is Model 1869. When the loading gate bar is lifted up, the hammer goes back to free the cylinder for turning. Its caliber is 9.3 mm and has 4-groove rifling, right hand twist.
Barrel lenght 145 mm, total lenght 268 mm.
Many thanks to H.J.M. for the photos and technicals details.
