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Josef Tambour of Vienna and Nanterre
I am trying to get back on course with my research, and would appreciate any information on Josef Tambour who was quite prolific in regard to patents on firearms safety mechanisms. I have traced several in his name, both for short and long arms, and am looking in particular to try to ascertain if he was responsible for that on the Dutch 9.4mm revolver pictured here. Various patent illustrations shown here bear definite similarities to the Dutch gun, on which a quarter turn of the lanyard ring locks trigger and hammer. The question at issue is, did Tambour invent the lanyard safety link, or simply develop a previous inventor's idea to incorporate the grip safeties shown on the patents. If you have any information that might clarify the matter please email me. |
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Ordnance Oddities
This patent was taken out in 1916 by a gentleman named Pratt. Extract "The helmet contains a leather cap 11 provided with a leather lining 13 having a tightening-strap 15, and with a leather band 7 detachably secured by bolts 9 to the main body 1, which is provided with front and rear vizors 3, 5. The helmet is secured firmly to the head of the marksman by a leather apron 16 with strap 16<a>. The pistol is carried above this helmet by a steel bed-plate 17 provided with a rim 19 forming a chamber covered by a plate 21, which is surmounted by a dished top 209 secured by spring clips 210. This top piece 209 has an extension or hood 211 to cover the barrel of the pistol and to carry the " finders '' 213; when the top piece is removed, it may be used as a cooking-pan, the hood 211 acting as a handle. " |
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LDroixhe of Amsterdam - Gunmaker
The detail on the gun pictured here says that the maker was L Droixhe of Amsterdam although the gun bears Belgian proof marks. The underside of the stock is richly carved with a dragon, and inset behind the cheekpiece is a recess for percussion caps, with a cover in the shape of a (sea) shell. The cap box lid, butt plate and trigger guard appear to be silver. The gun is around 33.5" in length overall. Initial research has revealed an L Droixhe listed in Herstal (Liege) in 1811, which appears at odds with the reference to Amsterdam, but Belgium seceded from the Netherlands in 1830. The Liege proof dates from 1811. Please email me with any information you may have. |
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Belgian Double Action Revolver in .320 Calibre
A nice little Belgian pocket revolver which is much happier in double action than single action. It is missing its trigger return spring, but retains a high percentage of its original finish, with some minor rust spots. Clean but frosted bore with decent rifling remaining and good chambers. It should benefit from a good clean. Good grips and screws. Overall length 5" Barrel length 1 1/2" Ref C316 £250 |
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Double Action Belgian Revolver in .320 Calibre
A nice little Belgian made British Bulldog with an unusual pleasing swept forward bird's head butt, somewhat longer than usual. It finds its way into this section as a result of a missing trigger return spring, poor bore (though still with fairly strong rifling) three poorly replaced screws, and missing lanyard ring. Quite decent chambers and grips. Double action only. Overall length 5 1/2" Barrel length 2" Ref C318 £175 SOLD |
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Belgian Breaktop Double Action Revolver in .320 Calibre
Five shot, break top revolver from Belgium, without the usual safety catch. A nice little gun overall, it has retained most of the frame's nickel finish while shedding some of the plating on the cylinder. Ejection system works fine, nice grips showing some wear, but with the left one missing a small piece to the left of the star. The chambers are fine, but the bore though retaining rifling is rough. Serial number 1664. As it stands this is a nice enough little gun for display purposes, but would not feature on this page if there wasn't something not quite right. The pictures highlight the missing chip from the left grip, and what I can only describe as an 'overbite' on the firing pin, which also can just be seen to be separating from the hammer. Additionally the pin instead of striking through the normal hole, strikes through a slot open to the barrel locking lugs. The trigger return spring seems to have gone, and the combination of spring, overbite and an over-protruding hand, mean some work is required for the gun to function properly. Overall length 7" Barrel length 3 1/4" Ref C317 SOLD |
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De-activated FN Semi Automatic Pistol in 7.65mm Calibre De-activated
Famous Browning's Patent automatic; a compact slimand deadly little gun that sold in huge quantities. This example shows considerable wear but still functions as well as the de-activation procedures permit. Small crack in right grip beside screw, grips fairly worn but original. With de-activation certificate (Dec 1991). Overall length 6" Barrel length 2 1/4" Ref C298 £175 |
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Overall length " Barrel length " Ref |
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Overall length " Barrel length " Ref |
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I G Mod. 71/84 Rifle in 11.15 X 60R Mauser Calibre
in 1877 at the battle of Plevna an Ottoman Turkish force defeated a numerically superior *Russian force, and in so doing demonstrated the advantages of the firepower offered by a repeating rifle. The Turks were using the lever action Winchester 1866 model, with its tubular magazine. The lesson was learned, and led to the design by Mauser of the 71/84 rifle. This example was made at Amberg and in addition to all the usual German markings on the metalwork (but none on the stock), it bears the date 1887 (twice). The original finish has gone, and there is some moderate pitting on the external metalwork but the action works as well as it ever did. The bore is clean and bright but with a band of slight roughness midway. It retains strong rifling. As is to be expected of a piece of ordnance of this age, it carries a few knocks and scratches, but has good (stripey) woodwork and is an excellent example of a rifle which was at the forefront of firearm technology in its day. Price reflects condition (*My thanks to GJ for correcting my initial historical inaccuracy) Barrel length 28" Overall length 51" Ref C321 £425 (+ P&P) £375 |
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Defender Single Action 32 Calibre Rimfire Revolver (1889)
This little gun retains 90% + of its original nickel and would make a nice display piece. Sadly its springs are missing (hence the price). This could even be a nice little project for someone with the necessary skills. The gun which is a five shot has a nice clean bore with somewhat worn rifling, and nice clean chambers. Disassembles easily. Lovely old grips though the right panel has lost a 'sliver' Overall Length Barrel Length Ref RF117 £175 |
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De-activated Colt Double Action Revolver in .32 Calibre De-activated
De-acs aren't really my thing but occasionally I take one in to re-sell. This is a nice little Colt in .32 (which in the early part of the 20th Century was the standard American police calibre) serial number 190499. It's in quite nice condition (for a de-ac) with a tight lockup and decent Colt grips. Blade front siight, grooved rear. With de-activation certificate. Chambers blocked, barrel pinned, firing pin removed. Overall length 8 1/4" Barrel length 4" Ref D121 £175 |
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UNTIL 30th SEPTEMBER 2008 MANY PRICES THROUGHOUT THE SITE ARE REDUCED
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