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
Louis Simonon
This
small shotgun has two side-by-side barrels in two different calibers, one
14-gauge and the other 9mm. It features the classic design of two external
hammers operated by two triggers under the trigger guard. It opens with a
serpentine key and can be folded, suggesting it belongs to the category of
so-called poacher's shotguns.
Markings:
Number
013
Number
9886: possibly the serial number.
S under a
star: inspector's mark from January 27, 1877.
Choke
12.8
EL in
cursive: Provisional proof mark since 1853 (shotgun barrels).
Initials LS
Inscription "La Légia"
Although
its Belgian origin is certain, the provided photographs do not show an oval ELG
mark.
The term
"Légia" was used by the craftsman Nicolas Pieper for a small semi-automatic
pistol in 6.35 caliber and toy rifles, named after a stream that meanders
through a neighborhood in Liège.
However,
it is highly unlikely that the rifle examined here came from Nicolas Pieper's
workshop, as no signature, logo, or initials are found on this weapon.
However,
the initials LS were previously attributed to the gunsmith Louis Simonon, known
on the site.
Louis
Simonon was a gunsmith in Herstal (Liège) on Rue Heintz. It was registered with
the Liège proof house from 1932 to 1962.
Furthermore, online references can be found to several relatively recent-looking
shotguns bearing the name "La Légia," as well as to a gunsmithing distribution
company of the same name (111 rue du Bellenay, 4040 Herstal), see:
https://armurerie-billau.be/products/carabine-a-verrou-mauser-98-chasse-artisanal-la-legia-243-win
https://www.ivoire-france.com/fr/lot-3666-592993-414_fusil_fabrication_suhl_modifie_liege
https://www.pagesdor.be/monprofilprofessionnel/?listingId=L9776642
Another
gunsmith called Liège Arms is still located at the same address, but the
connection between the two has not been established, see :
In
conclusion, this poacher's shotgun with two side-by-side barrels in two
different calibers is of Liège origin and was manufactured after 1877. However,
its construction suggests a 20th-century production. It could have been made by
the craftsman Louis Simonon, as it was sold by a gun distribution company called
"La Légia" in Herstal. All of this is without
certainty!
Chris, HPH
Louis Simonon
After going through the percussion (Cap & Ball) and
the pinfire system, Colonel Le Mat adapted the weapon to the central percussion.
For financial reasons the colonel came to have his weapons manufactured by
Auguste
Francotte and about twenty other Liège
manufacturers. In principle, the weapon manufactured in Liège included the
keeled ejection rod, the oval bridge and the gun selector on the hammer, which
could thus be operated with one hand. A copy of this type is kept at the Grand
Curtius in Liège (ref. 629Fe 1-2).
However,
the specimen presented here does not correspond to these last specificities. It
has a central percussion (adapted around 1869). The barrel is 8 shots it seems
to me + the central machine gun. The caliber could be 450. I only received 4
photos to judge!
The
weapon bears only one visible mark of the test bench of Liège, namely the
crowned R (striped gun – hallmark in use from 1894 to 1968?)
The weapon also bears a largely erased Liège
manufacturer’s mark, which makes identification very difficult. I think I read
L ? S ?? à Liège.
This could "maybe" correspond to
Simonon L.J.
gunsmith in Herstal. Between 1852 and 1889, he filed eight patents for
inventions.
GG
Louis Simonon
SIMONON, Louis was an arms manufacturer with Herstal (Liege) street Heintz. It was registered with the proofhouse of Liège of 1932 to 1962.
Its mark was quite simply L.S.
1st gun:
D crowned: is the mark of the manufacturer of guns of rifle DELCOUR in Nessonvaux (see site)
Greek letter ETA (N): letter of the year 1955.
Coupled AA and spangled: countermark of the controller post 1877.
Spangled ELG in a crowned oval: acceptance post 1893.
12-65 (?) in the letter omega lying: gauge nominal and length of casing, of use of 1924 to our days.
PV surmounted of a stylized lion: test with the powder without smoke, of use of 1898 to 1968.
1Kg 286: weight of the barrel which can draw from the powders without fume (weapons smooth) except for the gram. In use of 1924 to our days.
2nd gun:
Spangled ELG in a crowned oval: idem above.
12-65 (unobtrusive?) in omega lying: idem above.
P spangled: countermark of the controller post 1877.
PV surmounted of a stylized lion: idem.
1Kg 335: idem
Peron: inspection post 1853.
d in small letter: yearly letter (1958? without certainty).
18.5 - 17.4: chokés guns: cal. to 22 cm of the breech, of use of 1924 to 1968.
6017 should be the n° of series.
GG
