DE NEDERLANDSE REVOLVER VAN DE POLITIE

As you might have surmised from the title, the revolver for sale here today is indeed a Police revolver, and is of of the type of service revolvers issued to the Dutch Police, Prison Officers, and some service personnel etc. They are often classed as a type of ‘Bulldog’ revolver – having many things in common with the original British concept of the latter.

These revolvers were most often in the 9.4mm Dutch ordinance calibre and featured a safety catch. The 9.4mm Dutch ordinance round or 9mm Hollandaise as it is sometimes known, saw its genesis in the double barrelled rolling block pistols developed for the Belgian Gendarmerie by Nagant.

Since the local communities ordered their weapons according to their own specifications, some variations of quality and design can be encountered on the basic pattern... Apparently the insistence on a safety catch as standard was introduced after one unfortunate policeman shot and killed himself accidentally with his own gun – so only rare early models can be found without this feature.

Stamped on top of this revolver is “Je Maintiendrai” – which of course is not Dutch but French! It means literally ‘I will maintain’. It is the motto of the House of Orange and Nassau, the Royal Family of the Netherlands: to have “Je Maintiendrai" (The Princes of Orange's devise) stamped on the revolver indicates it was once property of some local police force. See Pics

This revolver is covered in markings, including both Belgian and Dutch proofs please examine the pictures. On the top strap as well as the ‘Je Maintiendrai’ stamp is the marking of Joh (Johannes) Munts. He was a commercial gun maker and retailer located at Middenweg 110 in Amsterdam; apparently the building is still standing but the business closed long ago.

He was well known and respected in Amsterdam in the period circa 1890-1900. Munts had his weapons made by various suppliers, and often - if not always - at Liège. He had his own logo stamped on the guns (Munts or Joh Munts) and sold the weapons to various official and governmental authorities. Among others were the local communities, who purchased weapons for their local and country police forces.

This gun carries the mark of J. Maréchal of Cheratte Liege. Joseph MARECHAL was a manufacturer of quality weapons registered with the Liege authorities between 1897 and 1899. After this date the company changed its name to DEVALDE & MARECHAL. Therefore, it is possible to date the revolver accurately as the mark of J. Maréchal was only in use between 1897 and 1899!

Another marking of interest is the large L.P. mark on the cylinder. Dutch law at the time demanded that at least two blank cartridges should be discharged as a warning before a live round could be fired: very humane – but as these revolvers are chambered for five rounds that only left three to subdue the assailant/s...

The Dutch for ‘Blank Cartridge’ is ‘Losse Patroon’ – so L. P. was often stamped on the cylinder to indicate which chamber held the first blank or ‘losse’ which could then easily be positioned to be discharged first. Some variations had the numbers 1. 2. Stamped on instead.

This particular revolver is in fine condition showing only slight usage marks and age patina – certainly the best of its type I have owned. The finish is original, the barrel and cylinder still maintain much of their blue finish and the case hardened frame still shows the iridescent hues of that process. The edges and stampings are sharp and the original grips excellent. Good clean chambers and a bright shiny bore with clear rifling. See Pics.

Mechanically excellent, fully functioning rebounding hammer – single and double action, crisp indexing and lockup. Ditto the loading gate and ejection system. The latter is worth mentioning in its own right, as I have never seen one quite like it. Spring loaded, you simply pull the ‘knob’ under the barrel and the ejector springs automatically into position – perfectly aligned to remove the spent cartridge. Really cool!!

Also worthy of special mention is the safety system on this piece – which is if often referred to as a ‘Kobold’ (Goblin in German) type. It might look a little peculiar but it can be operated easily in the ‘firing position’ with the pistol aligned on its target, it has a very precise and tactile action. I can’t think of many modern pistols with a better one...

Included in the sale is the vintage American belt holster as shown, again in excellent condition, but nowhere near as old as the item it carries!

This revolver is chambered for the aforementioned 9.4mm Dutch Revolver cartridge: this is an obsolete calibre. The age of this item, plus the fact that this calibre is regarded as ‘obsolete’ - means that it complies fully with UK legislation, and can be regarded as an antique under section 58(2) of the Firearms act with no license being required; as long as the item is held as a curiosity or ornament .

Any questions gladly answered, and prospective purchasers should remember that this is an antique but fully functioning item – not deactivated in any way – and being made in 1898 is 112 years old: please look at the pictures, read the script and ask any questions before you bid please – not after…

This is a gem of a revolver, and would grace any collection.

As always – no reserve...

UK SALES ONLY PLEASE.

Please add £15 towards postage, packing and insurance.

© KIRIMON Jan 2009