Part I – The C93 Borchardt look-a-like .22 Cal Target Pistol series features

JD Julia March 15th & 16th Firearms Auction
*◊ FRANCOTTE “BORCHARDT” PATTERN TARGET PISTOL, TOGGLE ACTION, SINGLE-SHOT.

SN 2147 .22 Cal Long Rifle. Scarce single-shot .22 Cal Target Pistol, blued with a strawed trigger, made with a toggle action and finely adjustable sights, popularized in Germany and Switzerland and resembling the (C93) Borchardt pistol in general outline. This pistol has a 10-inch barrel with a ramped detachable front sight and a micro-adjustable rear sight that has three separately sized “V” notches for shooter preference. Toggle with concentric knobs, remaining open after each shot. The right side of the receiver and barrel are Crown/B and Crown/U proofed with the barrel marked for Caliber “5.4mm”. The only other marking on this pistol is the SN “2147″ that appears on the left side of the tang and is repeated under the barrel, where inserting into the frame. Original wood checkered grips retained with a single transverse screw. Although, there are no manufacturer markings, the consignor noted the gun was made by Francotte.

PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: At least 95% bright original blue with minor freckling on the barrel and spots of discoloration on each side of tang. Front & back straps are bright with minimal wear. High condition grips with most original varnish, sharp checkering, and only a few minute losses. Mirror bore. Perfect manual mechanics. An extremely attractive and unusual Target Pistol that should appeal to every Luger collector. 4-52104 (2,000-3,000) – Lot 2267

The above auction house description is reasonably accurate, except for the cited maker and that the consignor, G. Sturgess further elaborates on this pistol, which history is entwined with another more known, less rare, relatively speaking, Francotte .22 Cal Target Pistol, more resembling the Parabellum in The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols by †Görtz/Sturgess Volume III, Dead Ends and Curiosa, pages 1680 - 1681 titled Borchardt/Parabellum pattern .22 Scheibenpistolen (Target Pistols) presented herein. Both the first pattern C93 Borchardt .22 Cal Single-Shot Target Pistol serial number 2147 and second pattern of Francotte Parabellum .22 Cal Single-Shot Target Pistol serial number 74, both currently of the Land of Borchardt Collection that are the primary subject of this article.

In reference to the auction description, the subject first pattern pistol could be hardly be considered “popularized” in Europe and Switzerland, as maybe 50 at the most, were made and with only three having been identified. Additionally, †Datig states, in his opinion, just the opposite in his © 1992 publication titled Monograph IV: The Swiss Variations 1897 – 1947 that: These (long barrel Target Pistols) were never popular in Switzerland nor were the specially-designed single-shot toggle-action pistols made to simulate the Luger-Parabellum mechanism.

A pre-auction promotional video on this unmarked, unknown maker “Francotte” C93 Borchardt look-alike, single-shot .22 Cal LR Target Pistol was produced by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons for J.D. Julia Auction, Inc. McCollum makes a pre video comment or text description: While I was at the James D. Julia auction house a few months back, one of the guns I saw but didn’t have time to publish a video about was a .22 rimfire Target Pistol made by “Francotte” which was pretty clearly made to mimic the design of the C93 Borchardt.

Through the years, several authors have written about the “Francotte” .22 Cal Target Pistols being the unknown maker C93 Borchardt “first pattern” look-alike and the actual “second pattern” Francotte made and marked Parabellum look-alike used by the Swiss, circa 1906 – 1912.

1. The first being John Walter in his 1986 publication titled: The Luger Book,
2. Monograph IV: The Swiss Variations 1897 – 1947 by †Fred A. Datig in 1992,
3. †C. Kenyon, Jr. in a November 2002 Gun Report magazine on pages 56 and 57 and finally,
4. †Görtz/Sturgess in 2010 Pistole Parabellum and 2011-2012 The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols.

Information from these mentioned publications are presented herein, not necessarily in chronological order.

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Sturgess correctly states in The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols that the subject, unknown (German) maker sn 2147 ^[1] first pattern is far rarer than the second pattern Francotte (logo marked) Parabellum look-alike .22 Cal SR Target Pistol used by the Swiss with only seven known published Auguste Francotte & Cie examples in the two and three-digit range^[2], citing that the C93 Borchardt unknown maker identified serial numbers are in the 2100 block, examples being 2147, 2152, 2154. A partial disassembly of the subject 2147 reveals that is not necessarily the case. A common practice in the concurrent assembly of multiple pistols, Lugers as an example, that the technicians, in many examples, mark the inside surface of the wooden grips with the serial number using a pencil so as not to mix parts.

The inside of the grips of 2147 are so marked, however, while the left-side grip is marked 2147 the right-side grip is marked 2093. This suggests two scenarios; 1) more of these Target Pistols were made than indicated and not all in the 2100 serial block with a possible total of 61 Target Pistols in the range of 2093 - 2154 and, 2) it is possible that they were all made in the same time frame for future sale and not on a single order basis. It is interesting that while 2147 was part of the Sturgess collection, that with his penchant for detail, this nuance of assembly was not noticed.

Additionally, with the pistols having four-digit serial numbers suggest the maker assigned a block of serial numbers to this unidentified Belgium/German maker .22 Cal Target Pistol and that production may not have been sequential. Since the subject unknown German maker, single-shot Target Pistol 2147 has an easily removeable barrel, front and rear sights, suggesting interchangeability, it is therefore possible that it was initially offered or sold as a disassembled, cased item. Furthermore, the rather unwieldy size and shape of the pistol and the rather long 10-inch plus barrel length supports it being cased “disassembled” and since it is a Target “Practice” Pistol means it was probably not intended to be holstered by the maker. Pictured is the subject Target Pistol disassembled, no tools required.

Actually, after a review of the construction features of 2147 and 2152 has determined that these unknown maker C93 Borchardt look-alike .22 Cal Target Pistols could not have been assembled in the same block of serial numbers. With only a five serial number spread between 2147 and 2152 the differences are so numerous between these two pistols that it’s hard to imagine they were made in the same time frame. Some of the main differences are two different style toggle link assemblies with differences in the breechblocks, middle and rear links, including different breechblock extractors. A top view and in profile show different, non-functional machining nuances in the frame. The barrel front sight configurations are different, also not being similarly located, resulting in a different front to rear sight distance. There are even two different wooden grip hatching patterns. Pictured are multiple views of 2147 and 2152 showing the obvious differences mentioned and more.

The Other, Actual Francotte Logo Marked Luger Pattern Single-Shot Parabellum Style Target Pistol

As a matter of note the stylized Auguste Francotte & Cie logo, marked on the left, rear side panel, single-shot Parabellum style Target Pistol was offered in the 1908 Casimir Weber retail catalog, complete in a wooden case, of which the wooden case was apparently discontinued or simply not offered with the pistol in the 1912 Casimir Weber retail catalog.

Sturgess TBLAP V3 C20 pp 1680-1681: The well-established Liège gun maker, Auguste Francotte & Cie, manufactured a single-shot .22 Cal Target Pistol, with a locked Parabellum pattern action, from around 1906 until WWI. These were retailed principally in Switzerland, by the firm Casimir Weber A.G. in Zürich, as the Schweizer-Übungs-Pistole (Swiss Practice Pistol), and by the well-known gunsmiths W. Glaser, also of Zürich,^[3] as well as in Austria before WWI. The action was the locked toggle knee joint of the Parabellum with twin locking latches set into the toggle grips, which released their locking hooks from the frame when the toggle was gripped to open the action manually. The pistols were chambered for the .22 Cal short RF cartridge and with a barrel length of 120 mm and weight of 870 gms closely approximated the feel of the Swiss service pistol. The rear left panel bore the “AFC in shield” logo of Auguste Francotte & Cie, the right panel the German Registered Design Number D.R.G.M. 218760 and the pistols were Belgian proofed. Known examples have two-digit serial numbers indicating production of only around 100 or so.

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Actually, these pistols were produced well over 100 as examples survive or have been identified up to serial number 172 with serial number 10 being the lowest identified example. Staying with “Francotte” Parabellum .22 Cal Target Pistol example 172 for a moment, specifically addressing one of the comments accompanying the apparently Gun Digest labeled picture stating: Model probably not made by Francotte but sold by that firm and others. The statement is unusual in as much as despite acknowledging that the right rear panel sports the Auguste Francotte & Cie logo in a banner style cartouche suggests, oddly, that while inferring the firm didn’t make the .22 Cal Target Pistol, that they would nevertheless add their logo.

Interestingly, the above comments regarding “Francotte” Parabellum Target Pistol serial number 172 is in stark contrast to the subject “Francotte” Borchardt .22 Cal Target Pistol 2147 where authors and auction listings describe it as made by Francotte, despite no markings or logos identifying the maker.

Per Sturgess: A second pattern of Parabellum action single-shot pistol, chambered for the .22 Cal Long Rifle RF cartridge, but resembling more the Borchardt C93 pistol in outline than the Parabellum, is far rarer. The maker (Belgium/German) is unknown;^[4] some examples bear a hand engraved version of the DWM logo on the toggle link, but others do not, and while an example is known engraved SYSTEM-BORCHARDT-LUGER on the left frame side, it is unlikely that DWM produced this purely civilian pistol. The proof markings are of the crown/BUG pattern used by the Berlin branch of the Suhl proof house, but they are of a hybrid or transitional pattern never seen on a Parabellum^[5]. In addition to the pre-1912 crown/BUG marks they bear also on the barrel the crown/eagle first proof mark (applied usually to shotgun barrels requiring two stages of proof), plus the post 1912 crown/N mark on the receiver and crown/N + Nitro semi-smokeless powder proof on the barrel.

These are a confusing mixture of pre-and post-April 1912 markings which indicate that the proofing was probably performed as the changes in the Rules of Proof were coming into effect. The calibre marking on the barrel is 5.4 m/m, not the bore number mark seen on Parabellum pistols with crown/BUG proofing. These proof marks are not those applied by the Suhl proof house at this time, ca. 1912 - 14, where the crown/crown/U revolver proof mark was used, in common with Oberndorf and Zella-Mehlis, and this indicates that the pistols were proofed (pre-1912-14) in Berlin, but not in the style of the Parabellum, indicating that DWM was most probably not the manufacturer, despite the markings on some (one) examples.

The pistol uses a fully locked toggle joint action, single-shot loaded and manually actuated. A prominent rear overhang resembling the mainspring housing of the Borchardt pistol serves to mount the elaborate, fully micro-adjustable rear sight, which has a turn wheel element in the blade allowing selection of two widths of U profile or a V profile rear sight aperture. The foresight elements may also be readily changed to suit by means of a spring catch. The barrel is 258 mm (10.2-inches) long, the overall length being 412 mm (16.2-inches) and at a weight of 1180 gms the pistol resembles the C93 dimensionally more closely than the Parabellum. The handful of examples known have serial numbers of the form 21xx, indicating probable production of less than 100 pieces.

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The Luger Book by J. Walters © 1986, pages 117-118, F39 Francotte: Auguste Francotte et Cie, Manfacturie d’ Armes ‘Nimrod’, Liége. Founded in 1810, Francotte rose to become one of the leading Belgian gunsmiths of the 1870 – 1900 period, making many thousands of cheap revolvers, shotguns, Martine-Francotte rifles and a solitary automatic-pistol design before disappearing after the German invasion of Belgium in 1914. Francotte also made about 150 single-shot toggle-action 0.22in pistols for W. Glaser of Zurich, Ordonnanzpistolen 1900 and 1906 were achieving general issue. In the original Luger, not knowing Francotte’s pre-1918 demise, I dated these guns to the 1920s. Is now clear, however, that they are a decade older. Trademarks: ‘AF’, sometimes script, or as a monogram – accompanied by a crown, an anchor, a foul anchor or a distinctive Riband-like cartouche.

Monograph IV: The Swiss Variations 1897-1947 © 1992, pages 73-74 by †Fred A. Datig.

Shooting has been a part of daily life for so long in Switzerland that target ranges dot the entire country and cartridges are offered at very low prices as long as they are fired then and there. Even government subsidized ammunition can become expensive, however, if the volume utilized becomes excessive. As a consequence, cheaper forms of shooting were devised for training purposes. The most popular of these are the multitude of variant types of sub-caliber conversion units, mainly single-shot, which may be inserted into the full-sized pistol. LOB example 1. In most cases these are intended for indoor shooting using a special 4mm/.157-inch cartridge of low power but still very accurate at close range.

For those of an interim shooting class, conversion units chambering the globally-available caliber .22 Long Rifle (5.6mm) round were produced. LOB example 2. These were never popular in Switzerland nor were the specially-designed single-shot toggle-action pistols made to simulate the Luger-Parabellum mechanism.

The Gun Report – November 2002

The Target Pistol information in the November 2002 Gun Report magazine †C. Kenyon, Jr. monthly column is in a question-and-answer format.

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Question: Not long ago, at an area farm estate auction, I bought an unmarked single-shot Target Pistol, .22 caliber, probably European, on an impulse. I took it to a local gunsmith to confirm it safe to shoot. He remarked on how much it favors a Luger, gave me your address and suggested I write for more information. This pistol has no marking other than the number ‘58’ on the left side of the frame. The stocks (grips) are checkered walnut. The barrel is about 8 inches long, with a ramp sight and fires a .22 long rifle cartridge. The breech opens upward in a knee-action by pulling up on the cocking knobs while pressing on a lock in the right knob. The rear sight is large and elaborate, and is fully adjustable for elevation and windage. The pistol is very accurate. Any information you can give as to maker and manufacture date would be appreciated.

Answer: Photos would greatly assist, but from your description, I believe we can probably determine about what you have. Refer to Photo 3, which shows two pistols, which, while similar, are of obvious different manufacture. The upper example shows D.R.G.M. patent numbers D.R.G.M. indicates “German Empire Registered Design.” The lower example is very similar to your description and like yours is unmarked except for serials. Pistols of this general configuration were made by several European firms – some prior to WW1 and others, I’m sure, during the 1920’s They were obviously designed to emulate the fit and form of the Luger pistol to play on the Luger’s great popularity.

Some examples of the general type were produced in Belgium prior to WW1 by the Auguste Francotte firm. I’m surprised that there are not at least some proof markings on your pistol. I suggest you look it over carefully for any form of marking. Luger “look-alikes” such as yours have definite appeal to segment of the collecting fraternity and if yours is in original condition, it has collector value. C.K.

Construction Details of C93 Borchardt Look-Alike With 10-inch Barrel

It is interesting to note that while only two known published and pictured examples in this article of the subject “unknown” maker single-shot 10-inch barrel Target Pistol and seven of the Swiss Francotte 4¾-inch barrel Target Pistol, that not either of both variations are alike. Unknown maker C93 Borchardt look-alike examples and “Swiss” Francotte Parabellum look-alike examples. In addition, relating to differences, certain construction aspects of the subject “unknown” maker single-shot Target Pistol 2147 is bizarre, as with the removal of the wooden grips reveals of what appears to be a zig-zag or dovetail assembly seam or joint of the upper frame to the mid-section of the front or forward gripstrap wall, which shows a brass colored brazed joint.

The .22 Cal Ammunition

Pictured are two 50 round boxes of early manufacture .22 Cal LR ammunition, both manufactured by Rheinisch-Westfälischen Sprengstoff-Fabriken A.-G., a.k.a. RWS. One with red background and white text side labels and the other with green background and white text side labels. The most interesting feature of these two boxes of ammunition is the added label affixed to the bottom of each box stating in German, Italian and French language that they are Swiss Federal Arsenal Thun Depot ammunition or Eidgenössischses Munition-Depot Thun. This supports the above statement in Monograph IV: The Swiss Variations 1897 – 1947, © 1992 by †Fred A. Datig on page 73 that ammunition was supplied free to Swiss shooting ranges if they were used on the spot or then and there.

These two boxes of early manufacture German label .22 Cal LR ammunition were considered as an accessory for the subject, “unknown” German maker .22 Cal LR pre-WW1 long barrel, single-shot C93 Borchardt look-alike Target Pistol.

A translation of the green and white text side label of the .22 Cal LR box states the following: Side panel 1: Für Selbstladenwaffen (Automatische Kleinkaliber Büchsen und Automatische Pistolen.) Nicht Bestiommt für Einzellader-Kleinkaliberbuchsen und Einzellader-Scheibenpistolen or “For self-loading weapons (automatic small-bore rifles and automatic pistols.) Not intended for single-shot small-bore rifles and single-shot Target Pistols.” Side panel: 2 Der Erste. Bewährte u. Durch Patente in Allen Kulturstaaten Geschützte Quecksilberfreie Zündsatz! Rostfrei! Unerreicht Lagerbeständig! Erosionssicher! or “The first Proven mercury-free primer, protected by patents in all cultural states! Rustproof! Unrivaled shelf life! Erosion-proof!”

A translation of the red background and white text side labels of the other box states the following: Für Pistolen Einzellader und Repetierbüchsen Geeignet. or Suitable for single-shot pistols and bolt action rifles. The use of the word suitable is an interesting choice to describe the ammunition as it implies right or appropriate for a particular purpose, or situation, although without being specific. RWS does/did manufacture .22 Cal ammunition specifically for Target Pistols as indicated by another identified box cover label, although does not specify as for semi-automatic or single-shot pistols.

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Pictured are two views of the subject unknown German maker, single-shot Target Pistol with the 50-round box of .22 Cal LR ammunition, described on the red background and white German text side panel as for: Für Pistolen Einzellader und Repetierbüchsen Geeignet. or “Suitable for single-shot pistols and bolt action rifles.”^[6] View 1. View 2.

Ammunition Summary

German manufacturers had different calibers for the older Wehrsportgewehr or Military Sports (training) rifles, of which 5.4mm is a .22 Cal ammunition marking found mostly on the older .22 Cal Military Sports Rifles. Since the subject, unidentified maker single-shot Target Pistol has a 10-inch barrel, which makes it more of a Target Pistol/Rifle, is most likely why the maker marked the barrel 5.4mm. The other period, single-shot Target Pistol made by Francotte for Swiss training has a 120mm barrel, which uses .22 Cal SR (Kurtz) ammunition, a totally different animal. The .22 Cal LR is better suited for single-shot rifles and pistols. Apparently “certain” .22 Cal LR ammo doesn’t cycle properly in auto rifles and pistols.

The side panel text on one box of ammunition, correctly pictured with the subject unidentified maker single-shot Target Pistol says: Side panel 1: .22 Cal Lang für Büchsen Rauchlos Starke Weittragende Ladung. or .22 Cal long for smokeless rifles. Side panel 2: Für Pistolen Einzellader und Repetierbüchsen Geeignet. Strong, long-carrying charge. Suitable for single-shot pistols and bolt action rifles.”

Whereas, the other box of period .22 Cal LR ammunition, which states on the side panel: Für Selbstladewaffen (Automatische Kleinkaliberbüchsen und Automatische Pistolen.) Nicht Bestiommt für Einzellader-Kleinkaliberbüchsen und Einzellader-Scheibenpistolen or “For self-loading weapons (automatic small-bore rifles and automatic pistols.) Not intended for single-shot small-bore rifles and single-shot Target Pistols.” Interesting, that one box cover label says: 5.6m/m für Büchsen or “5.6m/m for Rifles” while the other box cover label doesn’t mention 5.6 mm, only 50 Lang für Büchsen C.22 or “50 long for Rifles C.22”.

Information from a professional shooter states that: .22 Cal LR Target Pistol ammunition usually has more accurate and consistent powder loading and tighter tolerance on bullet dimensions/weight. Other than that, they are interchangeable. Maybe this information is implicitly understood through the box label information, however, it is not certain that is the case as the meaning or nuance has been lost through the years.

Although, other .22 Cal period ammunition exists and based on their box label information, would appear more apt or suited for use with the subject single-shot Target Pistol. Presented is the blue box label information of example 1: Gute Schussleistung bis 20 meter Entfernung Deutsche Sportmodell Patrone III Kal. „Z22”^[7] 5.6 m/m Zimmerpatrone mit Extraschwacher Ladung or “Good shooting performance up to a distance of 20 meters German sport model cartridge III Cal. “Z 22” 5.6 m/m room cartridge with extra low (weak) charge.^[8]” Example 2: 50 Patronen Zielmunition Kal. 5,6 „lang für Büchsen" Hülsen aus Stahl or “50 rounds target ammunition 5.6 Cal "long for rifle" cases made of steel.”

Part II-The Auguste Francotte & Cie Parabellum look-alike .22 Cal Target Pistol series features

The Auguste Francotte & Cie – Liége (Belgique), circa 1906 – 1912 Parabellum look-alike .22 Cal, 120 mm barrel Target Pistol series of approximately 200 pistols is based on seven identified serial numbers being 10, 14, 18, 74, 92, 120, 172. Of that small amount, practically all seven examples differ in one way or another. Starting with serial numbers 10 and 74 the differences are difficult to explain.

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Variation 1: A top view of the rear links of serial number 10 and serial number 18 that have an integral, rearward sloped rear sight with a “V” notch aperture similar to a DWM Parabellum “V” notch, with a scoop out on the forward surface in addition to what appears to be an added scoop or dished area in the rear top link surface immediately forward of the vertical sight “V” notch. This configuration is very similar to the DWM production Parabellum rear link “V” notch sighting configuration. About 25% of the forward section top surface of the rear link are a series of anti-glare serrations. The breechblock, middle and rear link are stamped with identical Belgium factory applied inspection marks or proofs.

Variation 2: The rear link configuration of serial numbers 74, 92, 120, 172 couldn’t be more different. The breechblock and the middle link of both variations are mostly identical, both being marked with identical Belgium inspection marks or proofs. The rear link has an affixed metal strip, bent at the rearward end to form an angled or sloped appendage with and added “U” notch to form the rear link sight which is interestingly set more rearward than the integral rear sight of serial number 10. Note that the observed rear link sight notch in this variation has been a mix of “V” and “U” notch apertures with the “U” notch preferred by the Swiss shooting public and military.

The metal strip is attached by a large diameter pan head, slotted screw at the rear and middle link interface. The rear portion of the metal strip, just in front of the rear “U” notch is secured by a much smaller pan head slotted screw as to not interfere with the line of sight. Since the added metal strip is not Belgian inspection marked or proofed it is assumed that this is an aftermarket addition, although it could by factory installed as other than serial number 74 the only other Variation 2 example with the left side of the toggle knob assembly pictured is serial number 120 which clearly shows, in addition to the serial number, a Belgium inspection or proof mark on the rear link left side, whereas 74 shows only the 2-digit serial number in the same rear link, left side location.

However, the other identified serial numbers being 92, 120, 172 all sport the same variation 2 rear link configuration as serial number 74. A final mystery with serial number 74 is the addition of a slotted, flush mount “set” screw located on the middle link surface, just rear of the toggle knobs. An inspection of the middle link underside shows the flush termination, its apparent function or purpose unknown. Variation 1 serial numbers 10, 14 and 18 lack the middle link screw, while variation 2 serial numbers 74, 120, 172 have this currently, unknown purpose non-functioning screw.

It would be interesting to remove the variation 2 added rear link sight plate of 74 to see if the original integral rear link sight had been ground flat. Since the variation 2 rear link sight configuration of 74 is not factory proofed the reasonable conclusion is that it is an aftermarket change, but does not explain why so many of these Auguste Francotte & Cie Target Pistol rear links were so identically modified.

The distance between the front and rear sights of variation 2 serial number 74 is 212 mm while an Old Model Parabellum, fixed distance measures 213 mm, a difference of 1 mm. The difference seems minimal, however, apparently significant as the Francotte Target Pistol has an adjustable, forward and rear, sleeved barrel sight band as evidenced by a set screw. This set screw is located on the bottom of the variation 2 serial number 74 sight band and the sight band of Variation 1 seral number 10, the set screw is curiously located on the right side of the sight band at the base of the integral sight block. As to whether the sight band of serial number 74 has been adjusted or reset/positioned since factory production is unknown. The above information does not address of discuss the variation 1, obviously shorter 205 mm, front to rear sight distance based on the more forward location of the integral rear sight vs the more rearward variation 2 sight. Pictured are serial numbers 18, Variation 1 and 74 Variation 2, front to rear sights dimensioned.

Other oddities include different barrel configurations with, for example, the factory installed and proofed barrel of serial number 172 has a very pronounced barrel flange and another example, serial number 92 apparently, has an unproofed replacement barrel, also with a large barrel flange and with the number 50 stamped on the left side of the sight block. Additionally, the fine, diamond pattern checkering, bordered grips have been identified in two slightly different styles or patterns. Variation 2 serial number 120 frame left side has a peculiar positioned hole for a pictured, flush mounted screw, slotted and threaded at one end, apparently the width of the frame, curiously if inserted would appear to interfere with the seating of the toggle link assembly. View 1. View 2.

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The Francotte Parabellum look-alike Target Pistol was advertised in several pre-WW1 identified, period catalogs including Swiss Zurich published 1908 and 1912 Casimir Weber Catalogs in German and French and catalogs as diverse as an exceedingly rare 1912 – 1913 A.A. Bitkova (Butkob), Moscow catalog as item No. P ᴻ^c. No. 224. Interestingly, the 1908 and 1912 Casimir Weber Zurich I. catalogs show a Variation 1 left-side line drawing view, whereas the 1912 – 1913 A.A. Bitkova (Butkob) Russian catalog show a Variation 2 right-side line drawing view. Note that the Swiss and Russian catalogs picture the sleeved barrel sight band positioned further in, showing/exposing the barrel end vs pictured serial numbers 10, 14 and 18. This could be an exaggeration by the artist, but the fact that the sight bands are sleeved and adjustable, the catalog picturing could represent the sight band positioning at production.^[9]

The Luger Book © 1986, page 118 pictures two views of a Variation 2 Francotte Parabellum look-alike “training” pistol described as: Above: two views of a blowback Glaser-Francotte training pistol, modelled on the Swiss Ordonnanzpistole 1906. Reinhard Kornmayer collection. In other words, a Francotte Target Pistol is pictured/offered in a 1911 Alfa catalog described by Walter as a Glaser-Francotte training pistol, most certainly is also featured in a period Waffen-Glaser catalog. It should be noted that the subject Walter photograph pictured Glaser-Francotte training pistol Variation 2 rear sight is perfectly vertical and not sloped like other examples.

The rather widespread advertising of the Francotte Parabellum look-alike Target Pistol suggests that it was reasonably popular, additionally based on the descriptive ads, as a single-shot Target Pistol and supports the contention that at about 200 pistols, based on the serial number range presented, were manufactured despite the lack of identifiable examples.

Auguste Francotte single-shot Target Pistol serial number 18 auction video with a follow-up auction video showing a “Francotte” Borchardt single-shot Target Pistol serial number 2147. Pictured together as part of the Land of Borchardt Collection are the left and right side views of unknown maker C93 Borchardt-Parabellum serial number 2147 and Francotte Parabellum serial number 74 with period appropriate Swiss labeled, boxed C22 ammunition.

Period Advertisements and Catalogs Featuring the Auguste Francotte & Cie Target Pistol Parabellum

This section of the article discusses and describes the advertisements for the Francotte Target Pistol found in period catalogs and journals of various dates from 1907 through 1914 and countries identified to date as Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Russia. The following is a list of countries and dates.

As a matter of note the Auguste Francotte & Cie Parabellum .22 Cal Target Pistol has been discussed in several Luger book publications from © 1992 by †Fred A. Datig Monograph IV: The Swiss Variations 1897 – 1947 through © 2010 Pistole Parabellum and © 2011-2012 The Borchardt & Luger Automatic Pistols by †Görtz/Sturgess and several other authors in addition to multiple catalogs and period documents and gun magazine articles such as The Gun Report in a monthly column authored by †C. Kenyon, Jr. More information has been gleaned from 20^th century auction descriptions.

Auctions

In the 2000s there were two identified auctions offering a Francotte Parabellum Target Pistol, one being a December 2023 (RIA) Rock Island Auction of Francotte Target Pistol serial number 10 and an undated Historical Investments auction offering of Francotte Target Pistol serial number 18. The RIA auction description was accurate, although restricting its description to the condition, while the Historic Investments auction featured an interesting, descriptive video, curiously set to background Jazz music, had a limited text description, while making some wildly inaccurate historical comments regarding the amount produced being “many thousands” and the date of production as 1910, which is contrary to the information presented herein.

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Although made by Auguste Francotte & Cie in Liége, Belgium the .22 Cal Francotte Parabellum Target Pistol has been identified as a circa 1911 Sys. Weber, a Weber-Francotte designation identified in a Die Schebepistole document on page 110 described as from a pre WW1 Weber and Tschudi catalog which goes into great detail with cross sectional drawings or figures Bfc-3 and Bfc-4 showing the internal features and construction of the Francotte Parabellum made Target Pistol and a Glaser-Francotte. In a publication titled Der Waffenschmied 48 on page 129 showing Francotte Target Pistol 120 with the following text:

These single-shot pistols were designed by Casimir Weber & Tschudi (Switzerland) and made by Francotte (Liége -Belgium). They were sold as a training pistol for their new Parabellum – “P08” Luger pistol which was to become Switzerland’s main side arm. They were not sold to the military, but instead to the (under-) officers and civilians at the time.

These pistols had approximately the same measurements and weight as a “P-08” and were supposed to ‘feel’ like the real Parabellum. They were soon used for target practice and could be ordered with a longer barrel with better accuracy. Due to the weak cartridge used in these pistols (.22 short), the recoil force was insufficient in activating the toggle action. Instead after each shot fired, the empty case needed to be manually extracted.

The date of production has been quoted to have been as early as 1902, 1906 and as late as 1911. The number made has varied from a very few to thousands. However, the most accurate totals and detailed information are from the © 1992 †Fred A. Datig publication on page 74 stating: Another small-caliber Luger-Parabellum ‘trainer” was the single-shot action made in Belgium by the firm of Auguste Francotte on special order for the Swiss trade (see illustration page 82). Also chambering the 5.6mm/.22 short Rimfire round, probably no more than 200 examples, if that many, were produced, as specimens are extremely scarce today (1992). While (per Datig) one modern authority states, “Glaser-Francotte training pistol … made in the late 1920s for the Zurich based Waffen-Glaser company’’, a more reliable source in the author’s library dated 1912 term as identical firearm as ‘systeme Weber’ (see illustration page 83).

1. Austria – 1913 catalog from Leopold Gasser Nachf. +-/Leopold Ullrich, Vienna. No pictures of, or catalog available except for a modern case box label.
2. Belgium – Although purportedly made by Auguste Francotte & Cie, Liége, Belgium (D.R.G.M. 218760) interestingly no factory documents or company advertisements are noted.
3. Germany – Die Scheibenpistole (The Target gun), date unknown.
4. Germany – Der Waffenschmied, (The Armorer) The Journal of the German Gun Collectors Association, date unknown.
5. Germany – V. Chr. Schilling, Waffenfabrik, Suhl. Pre-WW1 one-page, one-sided flyer.
6. Germany – 1911 ALFA catalogue.
7. Switzerland – 1912-1914 French language Casimir Weber, ZURICH (suisse).
8. Switzerland – 1914 Weber & Tschudi A.G., Schwanden (Switzerland).
9. Switzerland – Circa 1906 – 1912 Waffen-Glaser catalogue. No example available.

Excerpts from Die Scheibenpistole on page 129 of an undated: The Journal of the German Collectors Association book where it states: These single-shot pistols were designed by Casimir Weber & Tschudi (Switzerland) and made by Francotte (Liége, Belgium) identifying the pistol as a Weber - Francotte.

FRANCOTTE, LIÉGE B–FRANCOTTE TRAINING PISTOL (Br) Francotte also built a single-shot" practice pistol" (Fig. Bfc-3) in caliber 5.6 mm short and 6 mm Flobert, which looks very similar to the Parabellum pistol. In catalog No. 7 (1914) from Weber & Tschudi, Schwanden (Switzerland), it is listed as "Practice Pistol “System Weber” D. R. G. M. No. 218760". The prices given are 48 francs or 38.40 marks. With “laterally adjustable support visor” cost. the pistol costs 62 francs or 49.60 marks. A price of 32 crowns is given for the same pistol in the 1913 catalog from Leopold Gasser Nachf. Leopold Ullrich, Vienna. The pistol is no longer listed in the later catalogs available to us, so its production probably stopped at the beginning of the First World War. On the other hand, production probably did not begin before 1902. Figure Bfc-4 shows a longitudinal section and Figure Bfc-3 Francotte practice pistol, externally modeled on the Parabellum pistol.

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Die Scheibenpistole (The Target gun) page 129 description

Fig. Bfc-4 Longitudinal section and partial cross-section through the Francotte training pistol. 1 locking piece, 2 bridge, 3 rear chain, 4 bars, 5 frame, S: the arrow indicates the plane of the partial cross-section a partial cross section through the practice pistol. Like her model, she has a knee joint closure. However, here the breech does not open when fired because the knee joint (which, like the large model, lies below the plane formed by the axes of the left, front and right, rear joints) does not move backwards due to the recoil is pushed against an inclined ramp and is therefore not lifted above this level. Opening by hand is therefore necessary. To do this, grab the locking bars 4 (Fig. Bfc-4), press them together and pull the bridge 2 forward/up. The breechblock I, which runs parallel to the barrel, slides backwards. At the same time, the cartridge or case is pulled out and the firing pin is moved so far back that its catch occurs behind the cocking piece catch. Pressure on the bridge closes the closure, which is then held by the latches 4. When closing, the firing pin is cocked. The screw in the trigger allows the detent engagement to be adjusted.

PRACTICE PISTOL Number: 10, Caliber: 5.6 mm short, Total length: 230 mm, Barrel length: 119 mm Sighting line: 214 mm

Mass: 870 g, Ww

V. Chr. Schilling, Waffenfabrik, Suhl. Lieferant für Wiederverkäufer: or “Suppliers for Resellers”

The “Supplier for Resellers”, in this case is V. Chr. Schilling, Waffenfabrik, Suhl is the supplier and resellers could be the various period retail catalogs referenced herein, offering the Francotte Parabellum Target Pistol. What is the source or where does Schilling get their supplies, in this case .22 Cal Target Pistols … from the manufacture? A pre-WW1 period V. Chr. Schilling Weapons Factory one-page, one-sided flyer advertises a Francotte “Borchardt” .22 Cal Target Pistol as a Mod. PKG and an Auguste Francotte & Cie Francotte “Parabellum” .22 Cal Target Pistol as a Mod. PKZ with a 25 CM or 9.84-inch barrel Mod. PK and as an unknown Target (Parlor) Pistol with a 4mm round with a 20 CM or 7.87-inch barrel.

Although the pre-WW1 V. Chr. Shilling, Waffenfabrik, Suhl flyer was printed to distribute to period “Resellers”^[10] uses line drawings vs actual photographs to illustrate the Target Pistols. Based on the flyer “Francotte” Borchardt silhouette and overall proportions there can be no doubt that it is a Francotte (C93) “Borchardt” Target Pistol most resembling 2147. However, while the line drawing that depicts the Francotte “Parabellum” Target Pistol frame is accurate in its shape and proportions, because of the extra-long barrel there is some doubt or disconnect that it represents the actual catalog depictions and actual identified examples, all with a shorter 120 mm or 4¾-inch .22 Cal barrel. Even more suspect is the same offering except with similar, slightly different length barrel, but of 4mm caliber.

As stated above, the pre-WW1 V. Chr. Schilling, Waffenfabrik, Suhl flyer advertised Francotte Parabellums, in two different calibers, but also came with different barrel lengths, whereas all the identified Francotte Parabellum .22 Cal Target Pistols, to date, have been identified with only one fixed barrel length being 120 mm or 4¾-inches, ironically this barrel length not being offered in the flyer. It should be noted the that the Francotte “Style” Parabellum, examples of neither longer barrel variations in .22 Cal and/or 4mm round have ever been identified^[11].

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The longer barrel offerings by V. Chr. Schilling, at least the .22 Cal, 25CM or 9.84-inch barrel, somewhat supports the System Weber – Francotte comments in the Der Waffenschmied (The Armorer), excerpted from The Journal of the German Gun Collectors Association, date unknown, that … they could be ordered with a longer barrel with better accuracy. Interestingly, no Francotte Parabellum Target Pistol pre-WW1 catalogs featured in this article make any comments regarding the availability of longer barrels other than the originally fitted 4¾-inch barrel, especially no mention of a 4mm caliber, longer barrel. Other System Weber – Francotte comments regarding the availability of different rear sight configurations were also not offered/mentioned in the catalog ads, although based on the several observed Francotte Parabellums with different sight configurations, buyers were somehow aware of their existence. The source of the Der Waffenschmied comments regarding longer barrel and rear sight configuration offerings is unknown.

This pre-WW1 period V. Chr. Schilling, Waffenfabrik, Suhl advertising flyer is the only instance of these Target Pistols being identified with Model Numbers. The Auguste Francotte & Cie logo marked Parabellum Target Pistols are advertised in several pre-WW1 catalogs, but never with a Model Number. Curiously, there are no identified, purportedly “Francotte” (C93) Borchardt .22 Cal Target Pistols advertised in pre-WW1 catalogs to date, except for the V. Chr. Schilling, Weapons Factory, Suhl flyer with one fixed barrel length as “Mod. PKG” while, ironically, with the actual pistol, the 254 mm or 10-inch barrel is easily removed suggesting alternative barrel lengths vs one 120mm or 4¾-inch fixed length with the identified Francotte Parabellum Target Pistols.

Additionally, the above mentioned pre-WW1 period V. Chr. Schilling, Waffenfabrik, Suhl advertising flyer also shows a Henry Martine-Match Pistolen target pistol which was, interestingly a more common, relatively speaking .22 Cal target pistol variation. Pictured is the flyer Henry Martini-Match Pistolen target pistol with a TELL SYST: BUCHEL period contemporary variation .22 Cal Target Pistol, similar in most features. Pictured is a collage of the subject TELL target pistol disassembled.

A November 1923 dated V. Chr. Schilling Waffenfabrik und Groẞhandlung, Suhl i. Thür., Inh.: Ludwig Bornhöft (Weapons factory and wholesale store, Suhl i. Thür., owner: Ludwig Bornhöft) multiple page, 2-sided wholesale flyer/brochure survives, part of the Land of Borchardt collection, including a 1-page, 2-sided flyer with a tear-off perforated section for wholesale orders. The first page text is in 3 languages offering their 1923, 54-page catalog, the main catalog text is in German.

It is doubtful if the Francotte Target Pistols would be listed in the circa 1923 Schilling catalog, since they are now offering Einsteckläufchen und Patronen für Selbstladepistolen or Insert barrels and Cartridges for Self-loading pistols (Sub Caliber Conversion Units). Interestingly, on the same page is advertising two New Model Walther pistols (Neues Modell!) Walters Patent Mod. 8 and Mod. 9 listed as catalog Nos. 504 and 506. This is in contrast to the pre-WW1 V. Chr. Schilling 1-page flyer advertising the Francotte Target Pistols, identifying them as Mod. PKG, PK, PKZ with no catalog reference numbers.

Unanswered questions are: 1) is the pre-WW1 V. Chr. Shillings Weapons Factory, Suhl the sole supplier/reseller of these specific Target Pistols or an intermediary and, 2) or did they make them and, 3) what was the source of the Model “Numbers” (uppercase letter characters), were they assigned by V. Chr. Schillings, Waffenfabrik, Suhl? Generally, a “Model Number” is assigned by the maker as in Walther Mod. PPK or PolizeiPistoleKriminal or as in the November 1923 Schilling flyer as Walther Models 8 & 9. It should also be noted the V. Chr. Schillings, Waffenfabrik, Suhl, while in this instance in the subject pre-WW1 flyer is identified as Lieferant für Wiederverkäufer: or a “Supplier for Resellers”, that they are mostly well known and famous as a manufacturer of very ornate and well-made hunting shotguns. The identity of a pre-WW1 V. Chr. Schilling catalog could resolve some issues.

[1] Sturgess’s comment in TBLAP that the subject Target Pistol maker is unknown contradicts the auction write-up stating that the consignor, Sturgess, noted the gun was made by Francotte.

[4] Sturgess specifically states in TBLAP V3, C22, p1680 regarding the subject C93 Borchardt look-alike Target Pistol that: The maker is unknown; …

[5] Actually, the BUG proofs appear to be identical in shape and style to the C93 Borchardt pistols and early commercial Lugers. Pictured together are the receiver BUG proofs of a typical C93 Borchardt pistol and the subject Target Pistol 2147.