Holster Pistol Text Decoding

dana_w · 13th September 2013, 08:24 PM

This Holster Pistol looks French to me, but the text in the trigger plate has me confused. Is it North African, Turkish or "other"? Maybe it was made in France for sale in North Africa.

The pistol must have been a beautiful at one time. Now the hammer is missing and most of the embossed surfaces have been over cleaned until the relief is soft.

Marcus den toom · 13th September 2013, 09:04 PM

Whell the french have been in Africa since the 1620's.... Their influence on african weapons has been pretty big.
More confusing are the 2 lily marks at the triggerplate. The overal look of the pistol makes me think that this is a african trade pistol.

dana_w · 13th September 2013, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the input Marcus. I was thinking the same, but this pistol looks a little less crude than the trade weapons I usually come across. Then again, I do recall seeing some beautiful pieces made for trade in North Africa.

dana_w · 14th September 2013, 12:47 PM

A member of the forum contacted me privately and suggested this pistol may come from the Balkans. He also asked me to post some close up detail.

Miqueleter · 15th September 2013, 01:48 AM

Dana, every thing I see on this pistol screams French made. The stamps/engraving on the trigger plate appears to me to be some sort of inventory/ownership markings. Could have very well been a presentation piece for who knows who at one time. Just saying.

dana_w · 15th September 2013, 02:46 AM

Thanks Miqueleter. I was hoping someone would see those markings and say "I know just what that means".

Miqueleter · 15th September 2013, 10:18 PM

Dana, while I do not want to appear to be endlessly waffling, it occurs to me that this one may be a product of Tula. The armourers there were known to produce arms in the latest fashion, French to be sure. Anyway, that's what I gather from perusing my copy of the Fine Arms from Tula . Just sayin'

dana_w · 15th September 2013, 10:25 PM

Thanks again Miqueleter. I'll add the "Fine Arms from Tula" to my look for (cheap) list.

13th September 2013, 08:24 PM	#1
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 429	Holster Pistol Text Decoding This Holster Pistol looks French to me, but the text in the trigger plate has me confused. Is it North African, Turkish or "other"? Maybe it was made in France for sale in North Africa. The pistol must have been a beautiful at one time. Now the hammer is missing and most of the embossed surfaces have been over cleaned until the relief is soft. Attached Images

14th September 2013, 12:47 PM	#4
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 429	A few more photos A member of the forum contacted me privately and suggested this pistol may come from the Balkans. He also asked me to post some close up detail. Attached Images

13th September 2013, 09:04 PM	#2
Marcus den toom Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 525	Whell the french have been in Africa since the 1620's.... Their influence on african weapons has been pretty big. More confusing are the 2 lily marks at the triggerplate. The overal look of the pistol makes me think that this is a african trade pistol.

13th September 2013, 09:14 PM	#3
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 429	Thanks for the input Marcus. I was thinking the same, but this pistol looks a little less crude than the trade weapons I usually come across. Then again, I do recall seeing some beautiful pieces made for trade in North Africa.

15th September 2013, 01:48 AM	#5
Miqueleter Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 39	Dana, every thing I see on this pistol screams French made. The stamps/engraving on the trigger plate appears to me to be some sort of inventory/ownership markings. Could have very well been a presentation piece for who knows who at one time. Just saying.

15th September 2013, 02:46 AM	#6
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 429	Thanks Miqueleter. I was hoping someone would see those markings and say "I know just what that means".

15th September 2013, 10:18 PM	#7
Miqueleter Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Southern California Posts: 39	Dana, while I do not want to appear to be endlessly waffling, it occurs to me that this one may be a product of Tula. The armourers there were known to produce arms in the latest fashion, French to be sure. Anyway, that's what I gather from perusing my copy of the Fine Arms from Tula . Just sayin'

15th September 2013, 10:25 PM	#8
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 429	Thanks again Miqueleter. I'll add the "Fine Arms from Tula" to my look for (cheap) list.