Pair of Janssen Fils & Co .38 Percussion SxS Dual Trigger Pistols Antique
SOLD FOR: $1425
LSB#: 220415BB037 and 220415BB038
Make: Janssen Fils & Co. of Liege
Model: Pair of Side by Side Percussion pistols
Serial#: 7908 on both pistols
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1877-1892, Antique
Caliber/Gauge: .38 Cap & Ball (9.8mm)
Action Type: Pair of Dual Trigger Percussion Muzzle-Loaded Side by Side Pistols
Markings: BB037: The left and right sides of the barrel assembly are marked with a “* / V” Liege proof house inspector’s mark and the Belgian Perron shaped proof which indicates the breeching system was inspected. The top of the left barrel is marked “JANSSEN FILS & CO -LIEGE-”. The bottom of the rib is marked “C”, “C” and features the serial number “7908”. The bottom of the left barrel is marked with several Liege proof marks including “* / G”, “E / LG / *” inside an Oval (used from circa 1830-1892), “9.8” which is the caliber designation, “EL” which is a proof of smooth bored barrels and the breech is marked with the same “* / V” inspector’s mark and the Belgian Perron. The bottom of the right barrel has identical markings.
BB038: The left and right sides of the barrel assembly are marked with a “* / V” Liege proof house inspector’s mark and the Belgian Perron shaped proof which indicates the breeching system was inspected. The top of the left barrel is marked “JANSSEN FILS & CO -LIEGE-”. The bottom of the rib is marked “C”, features the serial number “7908” and “C” behind the serial number. The bottom of the left barrel is marked with several Liege proof marks including “* / G”, “* / J”, “E / LG / *” inside an Oval (used from circa 1830-1892), “9.8” which is the caliber designation, “EL” which is a proof of smooth bored barrels and the breech is marked with the same “* / V” inspector’s mark and the Belgian Perron. The bottom of the right barrel has identical markings.
Barrel Length: 5.5” on both guns
Sights/ Optics: There is a brass bead fixed by the muzzle on both pistols.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: BB037: The refinished stock features a checkered forend with a brass wedge, a slot in the forend for the included ramrod, a pair of lock-plates and a checkered pistol grip with brass cap that has a storage compartment. There is a light crack situated between the top-tang and lock, but otherwise the stock lacks any notable defects. The checkering remains sharp. Overall, the stock is in Fine condition for a refinished Antique.
BB038: The refinished stock features a checkered forend with a brass wedge, a slot in the forend for a ramrod (no ramrod is included), a pair of lock-plates and a checkered pistol grip with brass cap that has a storage compartment. There are a few light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there is a scuff at the rear end of the checkering on the left side of the forend and a few small patches of mild discoloration on the stock. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering remains mostly sharp. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case and Brass
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: BB037: The bores are dark with scattered light erosion.
BB038: The bores are dark with scattered light erosion.
Overall Condition: BB037: The pistol retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there are a few small spots of finish loss on the barrel, the brass parts are lightly discolored, the inside of the storage compartment is coated in light oxidation and there is some light surface oxidation visible in the screw slot on the left hammer. The screwheads are lightly tooled, but they remain serviceable. Some markings have been obscured when the gun was refinished but most remain clear. Overall, the pistol is in Fine condition for a refinished Antique.
BB038: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, there are some small spots of light wear on the left barrel’s leading edges, a small nick on the bottom of the trigger guard, the brass part is moderately tarnished, the inside of the storage compartment is coated in light surface oxidation and there are a few tiny spots of oxidation on the actions. Some markings have ben obscured when the gun was refinished but most remain clear. Overall, the pistol is in Fine condition for a refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action on both pistols functions correctly. We have not fired either of these pistols. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistols come with a wood case that has foam padding. BB037 has a ramrod while BB038 does not.
Our Assessment: Janssen Fils & Co. was a Liege based Belgian gun manufacturer that was active in the late 19th and early 20th century. After achieving its independence from the Netherlands in 1830, Belgium became one of the most dynamic industrial powers in the world. The country was renowned for its massive gun industry that manufactured a variety of martial and commercial arms for clients across the globe. The country’s industry suffered two major disruptions in the first half of the 20th century, a result of the German occupation of the country in both World Wars. Despite this, the country’s firearms industry remains impressive with Belgium based firm Fabrique Nationale still supplying some of the best firearms on the market today.
This particular set of side by side percussion pistols were made sometime between 1877-1892 (this can be deduced from the Liege proof house stamps). The guns have been beautifully refinished and they remain mechanically sound. As the guns have been refinished we can not verify how many of the parts are original and what are replacements, but the nipples specifically appear to be replacements. The guns still work nicely and would make a wonderful addition to a historical firearms collection. Good luck on your bid!