ID on Old French/Belgum .32 Pistol
List,
A friend of mine has an old .32 blowback pistol that has some interesting markings, and I was wondering if anybody can help. It is a basic blowback .32 auto with the "lock the slide back and twist-remove the barrel" design to strip. 6" long about 4" high with what appears to be original nickle plate, dark somewhat fat wood grips. On the left side of the slide is stamped "Les Ouvriers Reunis", then Pistolet Automatique "Action" No 2, then Modele 1915-7.65. I understand the model, caliber and automatic pistol markings, but the phrase "Les Ouvriers Reunis" is what is interesting to me. As best as my limited French will allow it translates to "The Workers Reunite". I also have not found any references to an Action No 2 Model 1915. All of the stampings appear to be original. Does anybody have any reference material or knowledge of these markings? Sorry, I can't do pictures. Thanks for any help.
A friend of mine has an old .32 blowback pistol that has some interesting markings, and I was wondering if anybody can help. It is a basic blowback .32 auto with the "lock the slide back and twist-remove the barrel" design to strip. 6" long about 4" high with what appears to be original nickle plate, dark somewhat fat wood grips. On the left side of the slide is stamped "Les Ouvriers Reunis", then Pistolet Automatique "Action" No 2, then Modele 1915-7.65. I understand the model, caliber and automatic pistol markings, but the phrase "Les Ouvriers Reunis" is what is interesting to me. As best as my limited French will allow it translates to "The Workers Reunite". I also have not found any references to an Action No 2 Model 1915. All of the stampings appear to be original. Does anybody have any reference material or knowledge of these markings? Sorry, I can't do pictures. Thanks for any help.
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My references attribute this pistol to a Spanish Manufacturer, ( Modesto Santos ), located in Eibar Spain.
"Action" was a trade name used by this firm, on both .25 Cal & .32 Cal., Browning type 1906 semi-autos, made by them.
Your pistol is a common ( other then the slide legend ) "Ruby Type" that was supplied to the French Military by many different Spanish Manufacturers during the First world War.
The French, proofed the Spanish pistols that they used with distinctive markings. If you give us all the markings, perhaps we might be able to confirm it's French Military use.?
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Thanks Rufe-Snow. Aside from what I already gave, the only markings externally is the serial number of 13xxx on the right side of the frame. Internally there are a few 3 digit numbers on parts that do not match the last 3 of the serial number. Nothing else at all. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by GHS
Thanks Rufe-Snow. Aside from what I already gave, the only markings externally is the serial number of 13xxx on the right side of the frame. Internally there are a few 3 digit numbers on parts that do not match the last 3 of the serial number. Nothing else at all.
It might have a paramilitary history or have been a private purchase by a French officer. The Spanish didn't care, they sold them to anybody who had the money. One of the common French acceptance markings were "Stars" stamped on the base of the frame in the area of the magazine release.0 -
No stars, no other marks at all. I guess the reference to "The Workers Reunite" might be lost to history. Maybe some fringe French Communist group that paid to have some pistols made to their specs??? Thanks again,
GHS0
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