Belgian
Counet patent repeating pistol
Sold in auction (March 2014) for $7,475.00
SN 1278. Caliber 9mm Counet. Extremely scarce manual
repeater pistol with a 6.65” octagonal bbl with a fixed front sight and fixed,
screwed in place, rear sight. The left side of the barrel, just in front of the receiver,
has Belgium proofs. “PH Counet” is marked on the left side of the receiver along
with the number “38” (possibly the caliber, .38” Short Revolver). In this
same field, on the both the barrel and receiver, is a series of Crown/V British proofs.
There are no other markings on the pistol, other than the serial number 1278, marked on
the butt by the lanyard ring, and the number 3313 struck on the adjacent surface of the
left grip panel. The curved, serrated lever behind the receiver depresses the magazine
follower when moved forward. The larger vertical bar, mounted on the right side of the
receiver, serves to retain the loaded cartridges. Once the finger lever is fully
retracted, the firing pin is released by depressing the small bar mounted to the forward
face that extends from the right side. The barrel and receiver are rust blued. Many of the
smaller components, originally in-the-white or thinly nickled, now appear as a pleasant
gray. Wood panels are checkered and bordered. A prominent and swiveling case-hardened
lanyard loop is mounted on the butt. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess, ex
Visser collection. CONDITION: 95-97% original rust blue with small scattered flecks of
oxidation, principally on the backstrap. Minimal sharp edge use-related
wear. Comparable condition small parts. Dark grips with scattered dings, the
left panel having a small bruises near the grip screw. Bright bore with strong rifling and
only minimal oxidation.
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