Remarkable condition Gem air pistol

[Garvin]

This pistol just sold on the auction site in the US for a thousand bucks. It shows that even something made around 120 years ago can hardly age at all if kept in ideal conditions.

https://forum.vintageairgunsgallery....tol/#post-8650

[ccdjg]

It is certainly a superb example of the very rare Jean Marck Gem, and is probably one of the last ones they made (ca. 1930), which would account for its immaculate condition. This model was apparently made over about 40 years, starting from about 1891, the early ones being stamped with this patent date, and it underwent virtually no changes in its lifetime. The only major differences I can see is that the early guns were not marked “Made in Belgium” and carried only the 1891 patent mark; they had no serial number, and the cylinder end plug had a square hole to facilitate removal.





The fact that the “Made in Belgium” mark is in English suggests that this example was probably intended for the export market.

[micky2]

Hi Danny, l think it might have been refinished, has to the knocks to the barrel housing are blued, and the front sight has no bluing on it at all which is very strange. plus the fitting into the grip on the back strap is not tight like you would expect. just my take on it.

[wickerman]

lovely piece of engineering

[Garvin]

Hi Danny, l think it might have been refinished, has to the knocks to the barrel housing are blued, and the front sight has no bluing on it at all which is very strange. plus the fitting into the grip on the back strap is not tight like you would expect. just my take on it.

Interesting, Mick. I hadn't thought of that. Not sure you're right though, the finish has a ring of truth about it to me. The nickel is a bit dull, so it would have to have been done some time ago. I take your point about the back strap, but I'm not sure it's from refinishing. The different finish on the front sight may be a difference in metals used. Still, you could be right.

[Garvin]

It is certainly a superb example of the very rare Jean Marck Gem, and is probably one of the last ones they made (ca. 1930), which would account for its immaculate condition. This model was apparently made over about 40 years, starting from about 1891, the early ones being stamped with this patent date, and it underwent virtually no changes in its lifetime. The only major differences I can see is that the early guns were not marked “Made in Belgium” and carried only the 1891 patent mark; they had no serial number, and the cylinder end plug had a square hole to facilitate removal.





The fact that the “Made in Belgium” mark is in English suggests that this example was probably intended for the export market.

Thanks John. I had no idea they were made as late as 1930.

[ccdjg]

Thanks John. I had no idea they were made as late as 1930.

I was also surprised that such an antique design was still being made in the 1930's. This is a late catalogue from the company, dated 1922, showing the pistol and rifle in their product range.

[micky2]

Danny, just sold that Diana Model 1 from the 1930's we were discussing the other day for £375. It pays to keep oldies in nice condition,
it is much appreciated by collectors.

Baz

[IMG][/IMG]

That is a nice one, especially with the box, not many of them about.

[micky2]

I was also surprised that such an antique design was still being made in the 1930's. This is a late catalogue from the company, dated 1922, showing the pistol and rifle in their product range.

Nice catalogue John, yes it is hard to believe that they made them for so long, but progress was very slow in them days. where as we in modern times have to come to expect things to keep moving forward at a quick pace,

[45flint]

Probably went for less than $1000 given a offer was accepted? But that happened in one day so someone made a offer he couldn’t refuse. I was a bit perplexed at how poorly the fit of the back of the grip was? It did look like orginal metal finish to me, which may not be that surprising if made in 1930?