antique 1851 navy colts

PPiieer
rr
ree JJoosseepph
h FFaaggaar
rdd 11881166 –– 11885588
AA FFOOR
RGGOOTTTTEENN IINNVVEENNTTOOR
R//AAR
RM
MSS M
MAANNUUFFAACCTTUUR
REER
R
by Richard Cootmans.
In 1850 the Colt revolver becomes very popular in the United States and colonel Colt makes
good use of the international exhibition held at the Crystal Palace in London in 1851 to
introduce his percussion revolver in Europe.
Here the arms manufacturers seize the
opportunity to copy the basic concept of Colt
and an abundance of patents of invention,
improvement and modification is the result. The
industrial revolution in the 20 years young
Belgium provides a fertile soil for various
inventors and arms manufacturers. Hundreds
applications for arms patents are the result in
the period after 1850 . The competition is
particularly hard and renowned arms
manufacturers are forced to deliver on the one side high quality and on the other side to keep
the production costs low, thus affecting the social situation in Liège.1 Therefore it is not
surprising that several inventors and arms manufacturers know heydays only to fall into
oblivion after a few years. This also applies to Pierre Joseph Fagard.
The families Fagard were numerous in the land of Herve and mainly located in the
municipalities of Bolland, Beyne-Heusay, Saive, Saint-Rémy, Queu-du-Bois, Flours, Olne
and Chenee. Saint-Rémy is a small village situated about 10 km from Liege.
According to the archives of Blegny Pierre Joseph Fagard was born on 15/12/1816 in Bolland
and deceased at Saint-Rémy on 02/04/1858. He was only 41 years. This is not surprising as
the average age in 1850 for men was 39 ½ years.2
He was listed as a merchant living in the Rue Leval 144 and married to Marie Françoise
Comblain3 which was born in Trembleur on 04/09/1817
From this marriage four children were born :
- FAGARD Marie Françoise, ♀ born in Saint-Rémy on 09/01/1840
- FAGARD Marie Joseph, ♀ born in Saint-Rémy on 21/10/1841
- FAGARD Isabelle Joseph, ♀ Trembleur born in 1845
- FAGARD Clementine Joseph, ♀ born in Saint-Rémy on 27/10/1847 and deceased on
01.04.1853.
On 08/01/1848 Comblain Marie Françoise dies and on 10/10/1849 P.J. Fagard marries
Catherine Leboulle who was born on 19/01/1815 in Saint-Rémy. From then on they reside in
152 Rue Leval, Saint-Rémy.
1.-“Quatre siècles d’armurerie Liégeoise”. Claude Gaier, Liège 1976.
2.- “De evolutie van de levensverwachting in België, 18de – 20ste eeuw.” Chaire Quetelet 2005 by Isabelle Devos
(University of Genth)
3.- The name Comblain occurs frequently in Liège and environs. A direct link with the famous Hubert Comblain is
improbable.
1
From this marriage three children were born :
- FAGARD Constantine, ♀ born in Saint-Rémy on 15/02/1851.
- FAGARD Mathieu Joseph, ♂ born in Saint-Rémy on 29/03/1853 and deceased on
08/04/1856.
- FAGARD Mathieu Joseph, ♂ born in Saint-Rémy on 20/01/1857 and deceased on
23.05.1863.
Fagard Constantine, only surviving child of the second marriage marries on 02/09/1874
teacher Henri Joseph Fouarge, born on 01/07/1844 in Ocquier and deceased at Saint-Rémy on
04/03/1878. They live in Voie du Pont 8 in Saint-Rémy.
From this marriage two children were born :
- FOUARGE Joseph François Henri ♂ born in Saint-Rémy on 27/06/1875
- FOUARGE Henri Jacques Gerard Joseph ♂ born in Saint-Rémy on 02/09/1876
Constantine Fagard remains a widow until she dies on 17/03/1892.
DEATH CERTIFICATE OF PIERRE JOSEPH FAGARD:
From the death certificate we learn that P.J. Fagard was a wholesaler at that time. In what is
not mentioned, but according to the “Almanach du Commerce et de l'Industrie” from 1857, he
was both dealer and a gunshop owner in Saint-Rémy. We can therefore assume that he was
probably both a manufacturer and trader, inventor and middleman.
He was the son of Mathieu Fagard & Marie Josephe Fraikin and he had an older brother,
Severin Fagard, industrialist who was fifty-three years old at that time.
There is also a certain Mathieu Fagard known (Faubourg St. Gilles Nr. 69 and 65 in Liege)
who applied for two patents of improuvements to a needlegun (Nos. 27032 and 28158 filed
respectively on February 5, 1870 and October 11, 1870), but any link with P.J. Fagard is
unknown.
That P.J. Fagard had a place in the Liège arms industry can be deduced from the following :
2
THE COLT THE CONNECTION.4
Samuel Colt took during his stay in Europe for his invention patents in France, England,
Austria and Prussia. On August 21, 1849 a Belgian patent for 14 years was granted to Colt for
his Colt Navy revolver.
It was only after the success of his revolver during "The Great Exhibition " in London in 1851
that Colt continued to safeguard his interests on the mainland. A condition of the Belgian law
was that the production had to take place within two years of the grant of the patent.
To meet this condition Colt's British patent adviser, William E. Newton, residing in London,
Chancery Lane 66, went in the summer of 1851 to Liege to place an order with a local
gunsmith for a few revolvers of Colt’s design.
However, Newton found out that some Belgian manufacturers were already making copies
without permission or license.
That these weapons had the Liège proofmark was not surprising as they had no scruples with
the counterfeiting of proofmark stamps.5
In a letter dated September 21, 1851 Newton reports therefore the following to Colt :
“The new gun ( for patent use ) is ready and very well finished . Not one but several
manufacturers have made them for export. I have not seen this offense but have the
information of a workman.”
In a subsequent letter Newton wrote that he on his own initiative, to fight this illegal practice,
appointed a certain Devos - Sera,6 rue Petite Tour in Liège, as official Belgian agent for Colt.
By contract Devos-Sera was authorized
to grant Belgian arms makers the
permission to make revolvers to Colt's
patent. As gundealer and Belgian
patent agent he could provide official
licenses to other Belgian arms makers.
SN 110 Colt Breveté 1851 Navy. Collection author.
4.- “Colt Breveté” The American Rifleman. J.E. Parsons. June 1950
“Die 1851 er Colt-Navy revolver” . Heinz Sander.Deutsches Waffenjournal 1972 Nr. 6
5.- Traité du fusils de chasse et des armes de précision 1854 : H. Mangeot Page 222
6.- Almanach du Commerce et de l’Industrie 1857 : address Devos-Sera : Rue Grande Tour.
Devos-Sera is also noted as manufacturer in the “Relevé des Canons pour Armes à feu portatives éprouvés
pendant l’année 1852.” Of the Proofhouse of Liège. See : “Colt Breveté Revolvers” – Roy Marcot.
3
Newton also gave him a steel stamp with the words “ COLT BREVETE ” that was applied by
Devos-Sera to the approved revolvers, after inspection at the Liège proof house. The Liège
gunmakers had to pay to Colt a fee of 10 Belgian francs per revolver produced of which
Devos - Sera was paid one Belgian francs for his intervention.
SN 335 Colt Breveté Baby Dragoon – P.J. Fagard.
Roy Marcot - Ron Paxton photographer, Henry Stewart collection – VMI Museum collection.
In a letter to Colt on April 19, 1853 Devos-Sera described his method :
First Devos - Sera autorized three companies to manufacture Colt parts and deliver them to
Liège gun makers with the permission to make, under license, with these components the
revolvers and apply small shape changes.
These 3 companies were:
- P.J. Fagard
- Renotte – Desart
- Harrar
SN 335 Colt Breveté Baby Dragoon – P.J. Fagard.
Roy Marcot - Ron Paxton photographer, Henry Stewart collection – VMI Museum collection.
Later, five other companies were added to this list:
- Gilles Decourtis
- P. Genotte
- Jacques Bayard
- Guillaume Mariette
- Coleil Frères
4
Devos - Sera remained Colt's Belgian agent till April 1853 and received in that time span a
fee of 17.550 Belgian francs, which reflects a production of 17.550 “ breveté ” revolvers
under license. In late April 1853, Devos-Sera was replaced by an English patent authorized
agent John Sainthill,7 residing in Brussels, Boulevard de Waterloo 77.8
The reason that Devos - Sera was laid off by Samuel Colt is on the one hand the fact that he
appeared unable to stop the production of illegal Colt copies and on the other hand because he
obliged the designated companies to sell the semi-finished parts only through him and asking
a fee in return.
The patent to Colt was granted in August 1849 with the condition to begin production in
Belgium within two years after it was granted. Only in late August 1851 9 some nine Belgian
arms manufacturers, including Fagard, were found by Devos – Sera willing to produce colt
revolvers under license . Consequently, we can say with certainty that P.J. Fagard was active
before 1851 in the arms industry.
PATENTS OF P. J. FAGARD :
Patent
Sort of
Nr
patent
2264 Modification
Patent Date
31/12/1855
Granting date
patent
17/01/1856
3298 Modification
20/08/1856
11/09/1856
4113 Improvement
04/03/1857
19/03/1857
Description
Modifications to the pistol or
carbine revolver
Modifications to the pistol or
carbine revolver
Addition to the pistol or
carbine revolver
SN 1652 P.J. Fagard – JC – Breveté. Collection author.
7.-.Depending on the source, Belgian or American, the spelling is Sainthill, or Samthill. In “La Belgique
Judiciaire” from Februari 9, 1860 a law suit is being described ( Luard against Sainthill ) with Sainthill as
spelling. In the “Gazette des tribunaux belges et étrangères” from 1860 we read : “On the notepaper of John
Sainthill shows : Foreign Patent Agency, Boulevard Waterloo 83 Brussels. Established 1842”. Consequently we
can accept that “Sainthill” is the right spelling.
8.- Almanach du Commerce et de l’Industrie 1857-1859-1860-1861 : Sainthill had here a “depot” where he sold
pistols, revolvers and weapons for the navy.
9.- “Belgian Colt percussion revolvers 1847 – 1914” A. Taylerson – Antique Arms & Militaria
5
Patent nr 2264 of 31/12/1855
A. Translation patent text :
This improvement consists of a new blocking system, a cylinder arbor key and a spring,
applicable to the pistols and revolver carbines with multiple shots and one barrel.
A.- Safety to block the hammer B .
C.- Trigger which stops the cylinder D when it is in line with the barrel.
E.- Tumbler with a mechanism that determines the single and double action.
F.- Spring which changes the double action into single action.
G.- Cylinder arbor key which attaches the barrel to the frame H.
St. Rémy December 31, 1855
P.J. Fagard
B. Notes :
The improvements are A, E , F and G. The resemblance with the Mangeot & Comblain
revolver which was at that time brand new, is striking.
The hammer safety A is of a type that cannot be found back on any existing Fagard revolver.
This is also true for the spring F of which the fastening and operation cannot unfortunately be
deduced from the drawing or description.
The cylinder arbor key on the patent drawing is shown on the right-hand side of the barrel,
while in reality it is always on the left side.
6
SN 662 : Collection H. Josephs.
Patent nr 3298 of 20/8/1856
A. Translation patent text :
This improvement consists of a “false” trigger to cock the hammer for single action, at the
same time blocking the cylinder if it is in line with the barrel.
A. - False trigger.
A.'- Real trigger for double action.
B. - Hammer.
C. - Cylinder.
D. - Barrel.
E. - Spring to move false trigger.
St. Rémy August 20, 1856
P.J. Fagard.
7
B. Notes :
This patent refers only to a new trigger mechanism for single action, the drawing is for the
rest similar to patent nr. 2264. The safety of patent nr 2264 is herein not referred to.
The spring for the determination of the single action is now located beneath the cylinder in the
frame (E) The cylinder arbor key remains the same as in patent nr. 2264.
Patent nr. 4113 of 04/3/1857
A. Translation patent text :
The improvement consists of the screw A which serves to attach the barrel in the line of the
cylinder, and of the catches G and G ', the first catch for the double action function and the
second for the single action function.
A.- Screw as a “key” for the barrel B in order to keep this in line with the cylinder C.
F.- A “stop” to keep the hammer D from touching the percussion nipples.
G, G'- Catches for the operation of the double and single action trigger mechanism.
St. Rémy , March 4, 1857
P.J. Fagard
B. Notes :
On March 4, 1857 Fagard submits a patent of modification regarding the single and double
action function. He also mentions a safety (F) from the model in patent nr 3000 of July 3,
1856 of H. Comblain. But in this patent, the safety has a rotating function while the one from
Fagard has to be pressed in and automatically returns to its original position as soon as the
hammer is pulled backwards. The cylinder arbor key is replaced by a screw. (A)
The most important change is the adjustment for the function single and double action and the
safety F.
8
THE COMBLAIN - MANGEOT CONNECTION :
According to some authors, P. J. Fagard produced his revolver in cooperation with “ J. ”
Comblain . The reason for this is the occurrence of the letters “ J C ” in the barrel marking on
a few Fagard revolvers . The abbreviation J C is then translated for convenience as Joseph
Comblain, Hubert Joseph Comblain or Joseph Hubert Comblain.
From then on the “link” to the famous “Mangeot – Comblain” revolver, brought on the
market circa 1854 by Henri Mangeot and Hubert Comblain, is quickly made resulting in
several publications into a wrong conclusion that the Fagard revolver is the precursor of
Mangeot - Comblain revolver.
In the period 1850 - 1890 there were three inventors named “Comblain” working in the arms
industry, namely :
1 - . Dieudonné Joseph Comblain.
The eight patents from D.D.J. Comblain dating from 1850 to 1853 relate to :
- Pistols with two shots .
- Pistols with multiple hammers and one trigger and improvements thereto.
- Improvements to the rotating pistol system ( pepperbox system )
- Improvements to the rotating needle gun and improvements thereto.
Nothing in these patents, which by the way only relate to the needlefire and flobert system,
show in their text or drawing any resemblance with the work of P.J. Fagard .
Patent Nr. 7382 of September 10, 1853
2 -. Hubert Joseph Comblain.
His patents between 1888 and 1891 relate only to a repetition rifle and have nothing to do
with Hubert Comblain’s model 1871 rifle. These patents are always signed H. J. Comblain.
Patent Nr. 81686 of May 3, 1888
3 -. Hubert Comblain.
His patents are always signed H. Comblain. He marketed in 1854 along with Henri Mangeot
the Mangeot-Comblain revolver.
Patent Nr. 7855 of March 14, 1854
9
That no partnership existed between Fagard and one of these “Comblains” can be concluded
from the following :
1.- The Fagard revolver with the serial number 94 is marked on the barrel “J. FAGAR
(P.J.Fagard) - N.C. – BREVETE.”
The identity of “ N.C.” is not known and cannot be associated with any Comblain.
2.- The initials “ J.C.” appear on fagardrevolvers with the later serial numbers 1652 , 1977
and 2543. Again, these initials do not relate to one of the three Comblains since none has
ever signed “J. Comblain”. The identity of “ J.C. “ is not known.
3.- The markings “N.C. Breveté,” “J.C. Breveté,” “M.L. Breveté” etc. were often private
patents for an adaptation of a particular detail or system. Sometimes the part was
fabricated for the inventor without an association between gun makers, but simply to
fulfill a need.
4.- Fagard's three patents are changes and improuvements to existing systems and relate only
to the trigger mechanism, the double and single action, the hammer safety and the barrel
attachment.
5.- Fagard’s patents are all dated after the first production of Mangeot - Comblain revolvers.
(at the end of 1854)
6.- In Deanes’ “Manual of the History and Science of Fire-arms” ( London 1858 ) a table is
given with an overview of the then most famous modern revolvers. P. J. Fagard is herein
not listed. In “Visite à l'Exposition Universelle de Paris en 1855” by Anquetil, 10 only the
Mangeot - Comblain revolver is mentioned.
10.- “Journal des Haras, des Chasses et des courses de chevaux. ” Brussels 1855
10
OVERVIEW OF DIFFERENCES IN BARREL MARKINGS :
The Fagard revolvers were marked in five different ways.
1) Serial number 51 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ.
2) Serial number 94 :
P.J. FAGARD-N.C-BREVETÉ (patent of N.C. ?)
SN 94 : www.littlegun.be
3) Serial number 499 :
Marking unknown.
4) Serial number 662 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
5) Serial number 1008 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
SN 1008 : MAL Nr. 4917 11
6) Serial number 1123 :
Marking unknown.
6) Serial number 1310 :
P.J. FAGARD–BREVETÉ
7) Serial number 1529 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
SN 1529 : Courtesy Bonhams 1793 Ltd.
8) Serial number 1578 :
P.J. FAGARD–BREVETÉ
9) Serial number 1652 :
P.J. FAGARD-J.C.-BREVETÉ (patent of J.C. ?)
11.- Musée d’ Armes de Liège.
11
SN 1652 : Collection author
10) Serial number 1820
Marking unknown.
11) Serial number 1860
Marking unknown.
12) Serial number 1977 :
P.J. FAGARD-J.C.-BREVETÉ (patent of J.C. ?)
13) Serial number 2182 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
14) Serial number 2257 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
15) Serial number 2258 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
16) Serial number 2471 :
P.J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
17) Serial number 2534 :
P.J. FAGARD-J.C.-BREVETÉ (patent of J.C. ?)
18) Serial number 2579 :
J. FAGARD-BREVETÉ
SN 2579 : Le Hussard
19) Serial number 2583 :
J.C. and 1 of N.C. ?)
P.J. FAGARD–5–BREVETÉ (3 patents of Fagard + 1 patent of
SN 2583 : Michael. D. Long
20) Serial number 2743 :
Marking unknown.
12
INTERNAL DIFFERENCES
SN 662 Collection H.Josephs.
SN 1578 Private collection.
SN 1652 Collection author.
13
SN 2182 Collection H. Josephs.
The few differences are :
From the earliest known serial number 51 to the serial number 2743 the Fagard revolver
remains in outward appearance and inner mechanism virtually unchanged.
SN 51 has as a barrel attachment a cylinder arbor key as shown in Fagard’s patent No 2264 of
31/12/1855. Although this patent shows a simple hammer safety, SN 51 has none.
Somewhere between SN 51 and SN 94 the barrel attachment is modified in a wedge in
analogy with the colt revolvers.
Between SN 94 and SN 499 this is changed back into a cylinder arbor key till SN 662.
Between SN 662 and SN 1008 till the last known SN 2743 the barrel attachment is again
changed to a “colt wedge” with the exception of SN 1310 which has a cylinder arbor key.
The serial numbers 662, 1578 and 2182 have, in contrast to serial number 1652, above the
tumbler, on the inside of the frame, a pin which serves as a stop preventing the hammer to be
pulled back too far.
In connection with Fagard 's patents , we note that :
-
From Fagard’s patent nr. 2264 of 31/12/1855 only the cylinder arbor key went into
production.
From Fagard’s patent nr. 3298 of 20/08/1856 no described changes were applied.
From Fagard’s patent nr. 4113 of 04/03/1857 only the hammer safety came into
production for all known serial numbers with the sole exception of SN 51.
In none of Fagard’s patents a “Colt wedge” is depicted as a barrel fastener although this
wedge occurred occasionaly from SN 94 and was in continuous use from SN 1529.
Considering that the cylinder arbor key of Fagard’s patent nr. 2264 of 31/12/1855 appears on
SN 51 we can say that Fagard’s revolver was already produced in small numbers during 1856
from the assumed serial number 1 to a serial number before 94.
As the hammer safety from Fagard’s patent nr. 4113 is continuously present from SN 94 till
the last known SN 2743 we can assume that the production of the fagardrevolver really started
after 04/03/1857 and that with the exemption of the cylinder arbor key and hammer safety the
changes and improvements in Fagard’s three patents were experimentally without an effective
application.
14
CONCLUSION :
Considering Fagard’s date of death, the fagardrevolvers can be dated in the very short time
frame 1856-1858 . Undoubtedly there was after his death a stock of unfinished revolvers and
current orders had to be dealt with. Probably Fagard’s brother, Severin Fagard, as industrial,
helped the widow with the continuation of the production until ?
Every gunsmith or manufacturer/dealer who had firearms proofed at the Liège proof house,
had each to open an account of which a list was kept. P. J. Fagard is not mentioned in this list.
This is not exceptional, to avoid movements and formalities with small quantities often a
friendly manufacturer’s service was enlisted to send everything in his name to the proof
house. The costs were then mutually arranged. This was not illegal and it happened regularly ,
but unfortunately it makes it impossible to date the fagardrevolvers or to know the overall
production.
P.J.Fagard’s revolver was no precursor of the Mangeot - Comblain but had some notable
similarities with it. (general form, practically identical lateral hammer and ramrod) The
quality and finish are equal but P.J. Fagard has never gained the same notoriety as Henri
Mangeot. The tough competition and the early death of Fagard were perhaps the reasons he
never knew a breakthrough and the small output of revolvers.
On the other hand the small production and high quality finish points to a particular clientele.
Fagardrevolvers are almost always engraved and thus luxurious weapons. One or a couple
cased revolvers with accessories were not exceptional and indicate special orders.
Many are also equipped with a buttcap ring suggesting private orders by army officers.
SN 2257 & 2258. Rock Island Auction Company.
15
WORD OF THANKS
Alain Daubresse – Littlegun.
Collège de Bourgmestre et Echevins - 4670 Blegny
Hugues de Courrèges d’Ustou – Le Hussard.
Guy Gadisseur – Musée d’Armes de Liège.
Roy Marcot - Ron Paxton - VMI Museum collection.
Hans Josephs.
Amina Ali-Shah - Bonhams 1793 Ltd.
Bob Hedger – Michael D. Long - Historic Military Antiques
Matthew Parise – Rock Island Auction Company.
Jack Puaud.
Paul Vermeiren voor het nazicht van de tekst ? Engels ?
16