Guardian American Model 1878
Fagnus & Clément · Revolver · Discontinued · 1878
Also known as: The Guardian, Guardian American Model of 1878
Overview
The Guardian American Model 1878 is a Belgian double-action pinfire pocket revolver built in Liège by the partnership of Fagnus & Clément. A compact, folding-trigger self-defense arm chambered for the obsolete 7mm pinfire (Lefaucheux) cartridge, it feeds from a six-round rotating cylinder and fires through a short octagonal barrel marked 'THE GUARDIAN * AMERICAN MODEL OF 1878.' Despite the American-sounding trade name, it was a Belgian export product typical of the late-19th-century Liège trade, often finished with floral engraving and a walnut bird's-head grip.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 312 g (11.0 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 73 mm (2.87") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7mm Pinfire · primary — also known as 7mm Lefaucheux, 7mm broche
- 9mm Pinfire — also known as 9mm Lefaucheux, 9mm broche
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Features: Folding Trigger, Octagonal Barrel, Birds Head Grip, Floral Engraving
Service history
Operators
- Civilian
Production
Production years: 1879-1883
Fagnus & Clément 'The Guardian' trademark registered 27 December 1880; total output unrecorded, typical of small Liège pinfire production
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Discontinued: 1883
Notes
The 'American Model of 1878' marking was a Belgian marketing device rather than any indication of U.S. manufacture; examples carry Liège proof marks. Encountered in 7mm, 9mm and larger pinfire chamberings depending on frame size.
Background
The impressive-sounding 'American Model of 1878' was pure salesmanship: the gun never crossed the Atlantic during manufacture but was made in the gun-making quarter of Liège, Belgium, where cheap, obsolete-caliber pinfire pocket revolvers were churned out under grand, foreign-flavored trade names to boost export appeal.