Frontier Army experiences

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy,
I recently purchased a Revolver for $100 whose only markings are Frontier Army on the top strap and the "LG" Belgian proof mark
used prior to 1894 on the cylinder.  The seller stated that the caliber was 44-40.  The Iron although heavily rusted has almost no
pitting.  Other guns I have seen from the period that are this rusted have deep pits which I speculated were due to
impurities.  This conjecture may not be correct.  The action worked ok in Double action but the hammer could not be cocked
for single action.  After some shimming the action works well both single and double action.  This action is an interesting piece
of engineering.  The entire action consists of only three parts.  The hammer and trigger accomplish the entire single and double
action cycle and a third part locks the rebounding hammer from forward motion after the trigger is released.  I have never seen such
roughly made parts in an action but it works perfectly.  A 44-40 cartridge fits correctly in the chambers but the necked portion
is only a slow taper and the front mouth of the chamber measures .453 in!  The Forcing cone is also .453+ and tapers down to  a
.430 bore barrel over a distance of about 1 inch!  I doubt that this arrangement produces great accuracy.  The hammer is shaped
like a Webley and the grip resembles a webley RIC.  The frame is solid with a top strap and loads through a loading gate like a
Colt.
Regards
Colt 

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Like this?  Note;  The market on these seems all-over-the-map!

http://www.gunsinternational.com/-Belgian-Frontier-Army-AH1967-.cfm?gun_id=100292028

And this;

"Belgian Frontier Army DA Revolver.

Cal. 44-40. NSN. Bbl. 5 1/2". Typical late 19th century Belgian revolver with wood grips & lanyard ring. CONDITION: all aspects poor to fair. Missing or broken trigger return spring. (01-6419/NW). ANTIQUE. $200-300.

Starting Bid: $100
Watchers: 1

Poulin Antiques & Auctions: Fairfield, ME, USA

Auction Date: March 10, 2013 "

[Colt Fanning]

Howdy,
Yes it is almost identical to that gun except no lanyard ring and it has a finger rest trigger guard like the s&w Russian.
I wonder how common these were in the old west.  I have heard that they were sold by the sears catalog for $3.50.
Regards
Colt

[RedGreen]

In regards to your question to how many of these foreign guns were in the old west I would say quite a few cause there were quite a few furoners out there and many probably brought their own. I have ran into many montenegrans down here in Texas.