Jieffeco Pistol
L. Robar et Cie (Robar & de Kerckhove) · Pistol · Discontinued · 1911
Also known as: Melior, J.F.C.
Overview
The Jieffeco was a Belgian blowback pocket pistol designed by Henri Rosier and built by Robar & de Kerckhove of Liège. The name is a phonetic acronym of Janssen Fils & Cie (J-F-C), the firm that distributed the pistol commercially, while the same gun was sold by the maker itself under the 'Melior' name. Offered in both 6.35mm (.25 ACP) and 7.65mm (.32 ACP), it was a typical early-twentieth-century Browning-pattern pocket automatic featuring a loaded-chamber indicator and, in later models, tool-less disassembly.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 595 g (21.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 159 mm (6.26") |
| Barrel Length | 83 mm (3.27") |
| Height | 110 mm (4.33") |
| Width | 28 mm (1.10") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 7 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 280 m/s (919 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 180 J (133 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32 ACP · primary — also known as .32 Auto, 7.65mm Browning, 7.65x17mmSR
- .25 ACP — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Loaded Chamber Indicator, Tool Less Disassembly, Concealed Hammer
Production
Production years: 1911-1930
Marketed in parallel as the Melior; Janssen Fils registered with the Liège proof house from 1895 to 1937
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Henri Rosier
Discontinued: 1930
Notes
The Jieffeco and Melior are mechanically the same pistol marketed under different trade names; the Jieffeco name was largely dropped around 1921 when the improved Melior models appeared. Also sold under various other Liège trade names.
Background
Jieffeco is a phonetic spelling of the initials J.F.C. for Janssen Fils & Cie, an example of the Liège gun trade's habit of inventing catchy trade names for otherwise identical pistols.