Project Description
!!!!!SOLD!!!!! This is a 1/2 scale 1927 French prototype semi-automatic pistol made by legendary master miniature firearms maker Raymond E. Hutchens of Indianapolis, Indiana. Includes the original case, which I think is cocobolo, two magazines, & four dummy cartridges. Mr. Hutchens was one of the two finest miniature firearms craftsmen to ever walk the planet, the other being Leon Crottet of Switzerland. 4 3/32″ long overall with a 2 9/32″ barrel of .154 caliber. The original pistols were chambered in 7.65mm. This piece is absolutely flawless in every way, uncompromising, perfect exactness!!! 100% fully functional. The barrel is rifled with the correct scale twist, number of groves, and width & depth of the groves. The markings are all done the exact same way that the FN factory would have done, roll stamps & punch stamps. The finish is done exactly as the factory, including paying attention to even get the polishing lines correct. All steel construction except for the checkered walnut grips. Most parts are a very high polish black blue, except for the barrel & hammer sides which are finished in the white. The left side of the slide roll stamped “FABRIQUE NATIONALED’ARMES DEGUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE, BROWNING PATENT DEPOSE” in two lines. Just under that are proof marks marked horizontally. I don’t know what the first one is, then there is PV over a five poing star over an E. The same proof marks are stamped into the left side of the frame just below those on the slide. The right side of the slide roll stamped “MANUFACTURE D’ARMES DE PARIS”. On the frame just under the slide markings is the serial number “7”. The chamber part of the barrel that’s exposed through the ejection port is marked with a proof mark over PV over a five point star over E over a Belgian proof mark of a crown over an oval. Inside the oval are the letters ELG and a five point star. The rear of the slide is serrated on both sides, as is the thumb safety, hammer spur, and slide release. The magazine release and backstrap are finely checkered. Fixed front sight & dovetailed windage adjustable rear sight. The cocobolo hinged top case has a push button latch. The interior English fit and lined in a tan colored felt. The four dummy cartridges have black cases, lead bullets, copper primers, and are headstamped “A78 1989”. I have no clue what that means if anything. Two of the primers are dark & show some green corrosion. This is a one of a kind made by Mr. Hutchens, & is shown on pages 59 of Joseph Kramer’s book Scale Model Firearms. A softbound copy of the book will be included with this sale. If only the very best will do, you have found it! Stock # BDCA-15. !!!!!SOLD!!!!!
