Broqua & Scholberg Centerfire Side-Side Sliding Barrel Double Pistol 6″ C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,375.00

LSB#: LSB250509TY015

Make: Broqua & Scholberg (Retailer, Montevideo, Uruguay)

Model: Sliding Barrel Double Pistol (Brazilian / Gaucho Type)

Serial Number: AS003345 (backstrap)

Year of Manufacture: Circa late 19th Century, examples have been found into 1908 C&R

Caliber: .450 Centerfire (11.4mm)

Action Type: Centerfire, Side by Side Double Barrel, Sliding-Barrel System with Automatic Extractor, Double Trigger

Barrel Length: 6 3/8” (160mm)

Markings:
The top rib is marked “BROQUA & SCHOLBERG À MONTEVIDEO.” The top strap behind the hammers is stamped “DEPOSÉ GS 552.” The backstrap is engraved and marked “AS003345.” Belgian proof and controller’s marks are present on the barrel lug and flats, consistent with Liège production. The barrels, frame, trigger guard, buttplate, and grip strap are decorated with floral scroll engraving, with engraved hunting dog motifs on the frame sides. The carved walnut grips are decorated in high relief with leaf-and-vine patterns.

Barrel Condition: The barrels have turned a mottled gray patina with scattered areas of oxidation and light erosion. The engraving on the rib remains legible.

Bore Condition: The bores are gray with fouling but the rifling remains sharp. Each bore has four right-hand grooves. There is scattered erosion along their length. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 7/10.

Overall Condition: The pistol shows a uniform gray patina with softened engraving and signs of handling wear consistent with its age. There is light erosion across the metal surfaces. The grips show small age cracks and softened carving but remain secure. The markings remain legible. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good condition for a C&R.

Mechanics: The sliding-barrel action functions correctly, with the automatic extractor operating as designed. Both hammers cock and release with the triggers functioning independently. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Our Assessment:
This is a rare and fascinating example of a Broqua & Scholberg–retailed double pistol, imported into Uruguay during the late 19th century. The Montevideo firm of Broqua & Scholberg was a leading South American arms dealer, known for importing fine Belgian firearms and stamping them prominently for their clientele. Their 1908 catalog illustrates this very type of pistol, described as a “Brazilian” or “Gaucho” pistol, and marketed as a powerful double-shot centerfire arm for defense and prestige.

Unlike the more common pinfire doubles of the period, this pistol employs a centerfire sliding-barrel system with an automatic extractor, chambered in .450 / 11.4mm centerfire. The design, sometimes associated with the Jamer Smits system, combines continental ingenuity with South American demand for large-bore personal arms. The engraved hunting dogs, floral scrolls, and carved grips indicate this was a luxury-grade piece, intended for an affluent customer.

For collectors, the appeal here is threefold: its unusual action and caliber, its South American retailer provenance, and its documented appearance in the Broqua & Scholberg 1908 catalog.Curio  & Relic, scarce, and tied to a colorful period of Latin American firearms trade, this is a piece that will attract attention from collectors of Belgian exports, South American–marked arms, and unique cartridge pistols alike. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the rifle in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.