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
Wertz Pierre
It is an
interesting rocking revolver of the hunchback type (internal hammer) with five
rounds caliber 6,35mm combining two or even three patents from Pierre Wertz,
arms manufacturer in Chefneux-Barchon. He was registered on the proofhouse in
1913 and 1914. He filed seven patents between 1902 and 1910.
Markings
On the
barrel : ELG in crowned oval : acceptance between 1893 and 1968
Star G:
countermark of the controller since 1877
6: ?
On the
body: R crowned: barrel rifled between 1894 and 1968
G star:
countermark of the controller
Lion on
PV: smoke-free powder proof between 1898 and 1968.
75?
The side
key on the left side is actually the key for opening the revolver. The system
was the subject of patent 210.504 dated September 5, 1908. It concerns a
"closure for tilting weapons by the extension of the barrel, which comes to fit
into the body of the weapon, by means of a hook and an automatic key".
The bottom of the butt can slide and thus activate the
safety! We can read the letter S for Safety (apparent when the weapon is safe),
the letters PW Bté in an oval,
PW
for
Pierre Wertz of course. Also the letters NN
(?) and what one might take for two Ls crossed in an incomplete circle ( ?).
The
security system is numbered 208.178 dated 11 May 1909. It was perfected by
patent 217.562 of July 2, 1909. The plates would have to be disassembled to see
the difference and thus determine the patent used.
GP with the effective help of MAX
Wertz Pierre
WERTZ Pierre (Proof house of Liege 1913/1914) manufacturer of weapons to CHEFNEUX-BARCHON (Liège)
With deposited 7 patents of 1902 to 1910.
GG
This weapon carries marking “PW breveté (patented)” and “J.B. Rongé Fils”, it’s thus a weapon invented by Pierre Wertz (see patent below) and manufactured and (or) sold by Rongé.
The practice consisting in putting its name on a weapon manufactured by another being common at the time, it is difficult to be more precise!!
Alain
Photos Littlegun
