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5-shot revolver Identification?

OGW
I inherited a revolver from my grandad after he died, and I have no idea what make or model it is, and I'd really like to know.
Also, it seems to malfunction a bit, sometimes when I pull the trigger the hammer doesnt pull back and it just clicks.
But I'm more concerned about identification.
Pictures:
dscf3163y.jpg
dscf3162k.jpg
dscf3158d.jpg
dscf3166.jpg
dscf3161.jpg

Somebody told me it's pre-1900 and maybe a .32 calibre, but I'm not sure, help will be appreciated. :)
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Comments

6 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    It's a Belgian made revolver. Many Belgian companies made similar, inexpensive, personal protection revolvers during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. I believe the model you have inherited is known to collectors as the pocket Bulldog type. There should be additional proof marks on the rear surface of the cylinder. Yours probably dates to the 1890's.

    As these revolvers date to the black powder era, great caution should be exercised before attempting to shoot with modern high pressure smokeless ammo.
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  • hrf
    It has Belgian semi-smokeless proofmarks, and appears to be chambered for 8mm LFB, which another site identifies as the 8mm Lebel revolver cartridge. European .32's would be marked 7.65mm.

    It likely predates WW-1, but might be later than 1900.
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  • nmyers
    There are folks who collect these. Those with engraving, plating, & hand-checkered grips can bring several hundred $, but utilitarian ones like yours sell for < $100.

    While some really handy folks have been able to repair them, especially if they have a bunch of spare parts, you probably should just leave it alone & enjoy it for what it is: a priceless family relic.

    Neal

    MVC-005F-2.jpg
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  • OGW
    quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
    There should be additional proof marks on the rear surface of the cylinder. Yours probably dates to the 1890's.

    Should I post pictures? I really have no idea what I'm looking at. I want to find out the exact name of the model.
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  • hrf
    quote:
    Should I post pictures? I really have no idea what I'm looking at. I want to find out the exact name of the model.


    No such thing as an "exact" model; thousands were made.
    The 1911 catalog of exporter Frank Adolf (ALFA) shows several of identical pattern to yours, and lists them as "Police Revolvers"
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  • OGW
    Also, does anyone know how much it would sell for, although I probably wouldn't?
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