Centennial Arms Corp. Revolvers
The following is a section in the Replica Percussion Revolver Collector's Association book that is nearing first release. You might be interested in their web site at:
http://rprca.tripod.com
CENTENNIAL ARMS CORPORATION - 1960
Made in Liege, Belgium by Centaure.
This company dates from1852 when J. Hanquet signed contract with Sam Colt to produce Colt’s Patent (Colt Brevete) revolvers in Liege, Belgium.
Produced the 1860 Army named the “New Model Army” in following configurations:
1. Three screw frame cut for shoulder stock, toe on butt for shoulder stock, with plain rebated cylinder. Brass trigger guards and steel back strap with 8” barrel. Serial numbers #1 – 1400. However, plain rebated cylinders have occurred in the 3000 serial number range
2. Three-screw frame cut for shoulder stock, toe on butt for shoulder stock, with Colt Navy scene engraved rebated cylinder. Brass trigger guards and steel back strap with 8” barrel. Engraving lacks background detail found on original Colts. Serial numbers above 1400.
3. Three-screw frame cut for shoulder stock, toe on butt for shoulder stock, with Colt Navy scene engraved rebated cylinder. Brass trigger guards and steel back strap with 7 1/2” barrel. Engraving lacks background detail found on original Colts. Serial numbers above 1400.
4. Civilian Model - Three-screw frame not cut for shoulder stock, no toe on butt for shoulder stock, with Colt Navy scene engraved rebated cylinder. Silver trigger guard and back strap with 8” barrel. Serial numbers have “C” prefix. The legend “ENGAGED 16TH MAY 1843” appeared on first 500 of these guns.
5. Civilian Model - Three-screw frame not cut for shoulder stock, no toe on butt for shoulder stock, with Colt Navy scene engraved rebated cylinder. Silver trigger guard and back strap with 8” barrel. Serial numbers have “C” prefix. No legend on cylinder
6. Stocked Model – Four-screw frame cut for shoulder stock, toe on butt for shoulder stock, full fluted cylinder, and detachable shoulder stock. Brass trigger guards and steel back strap with 7 1/2” barrel. Serial numbers bear “F” prefix.
7. Sheriff’s Model – Civilian Model with 4” barrel and full fluted cylinder. Special order
Other Models Proposed and Advertised by Centennial Arms Italian Manufacture (None have ever been observed)
1. 1847 Whitneyville Hartford Dragoon
2. 1850 2nd Model Dragoon
3. 1851 3rd Model Dragoon – Target sights, cut for shoulder stock with Shoulder Stock
Other Models by Centennial Arms Manufactured by Investarms-Italian Manufacture
1. 1851 Navy – Engraved cylinder, brass trigger guard and back strap
2. 1851 Navy Sheriff’s Model – 5” barrel, engraved cylinder, brass trigger guard and back strap
3. 1851 Navy – Half-fluted cylinder, brass trigger guard and back strap, lanyard ring.
4. 1851 Navy Sheriff’s Model - 5” barrel, half-fluted cylinder, brass trigger guard and back strap, lanyard ring.
5. Remington 1858 New Model Army
6. Remington 1858 New Model Army Target Model
7. Schneider & Glassick - .36cal., engraved cylinder
8. Schneider & Glassick - .44cal., rebated/engraved cylinder
9. Schneider & Glassick Sheriff’s Model - .36cal., 5” barrel, engraved cylinder (only model ever obsevered
Centennial Revolver Kits
1. 1851 Navy
2. 1860 Army
3. Remington 1858 New Model Army
4. Schneider & Glassick
Markings Observed
< Barrel Muzzle
"1860 NEW MODEL ARMY" CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK CHICAGO U.S.A.
"1860 NEW MODEL ARMY"
CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK "1860 NEW MODEL ARMY"
"1860 NEW MODEL ARMY" CENTENNIAL TRADE MARK
CENTENNIAL
TRADE MARK (Two lines on LtSd Barrel Flat above wedge)
Investarms trademark on Butt
These are very collectable. I am currently looking for the 1860 Army, Fluted cylinder, stocked. If you know of one let me know.
I also have two USFA black powder revolvers you might be interested in knowing about. They are both
U.S. Patent Firearms marked before Colt put the screws to them about the name.
1851 Navy is marked:
-ADDRESS U.S. PATENT HARTFORD CT. U.S. AMERICA - (Top Barrel) U.S. Patent (LtSd Frame)
1860 Army is marked:
-ADDRESS U.S. PATENT HARTFORD CT. U.S. AMERICA - (Top Barrel)
1860 Army has Stag Grips fitted in their custom shop. Have original box, papers, and original invoices. 1851 Navy came in original box, also with papers, and extra cylinder. Absolutely top quality, much much better than any Colt. I was at the first Shot Show when the then, U.S. Patent Firearms introduced themselves with the most fantastic display of all the revolvers they proposed to make polished in the white. So perfectly polished that they appeared to be nickle plated.
Hope this helps. Would it help to post this on their forum?