Melior Model 1914
Robar & Cie · Pistol · Discontinued · 1914
Also known as: Melior 1914, Jieffeco, Robar Melior Old Model
Overview
The Melior Model 1914 is a Belgian blowback-operated, striker-fired semi-automatic vest-pocket pistol built by Robar & Cie of Liege and marketed under the Melior (and export Jieffeco) trade names. Chambered principally in .25 ACP (6.35mm Browning) - and also offered in .32 ACP - it was the last refinement of the pre-war Melior 'Old Model' series that followed the 1909 and 1911/1912 patterns. Its external lines echoed the FN Browning pocket pistols while using a mechanically distinct system, based on Henri Rosier's patents, that avoided Browning's protections by employing a reciprocating internal breechblock rather than an enclosing slide. Production was cut short by the German invasion of Belgium in August 1914.
Specifications
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 230 m/s (755 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 86 J (63 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 15 m (16 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Hard Rubber |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .25 ACP · primary — also known as 6.35x16mm Browning, 6.35mm Browning, .25 Auto
- .32 ACP — also known as .32 Automatic, 7.65x17mm Browning SR, 7.65mm Browning
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Grip Safety, Manual Safety
- Features: Concealed Hammer, Fixed Sights, Reciprocating Breechblock, Serrated Muzzle For Takedown
Production
Production years: 1914
Pre-WWI production ended with the German invasion of Belgium in August 1914; exact figures unknown. Pistols were also branded Jieffeco for export.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: H. Rosier
Discontinued: 1914
Notes
Based on H. Rosier's patents; Robar had patented a further design in 1914 when production of the Old Model line was halted by the outbreak of the First World War. The Melior pocket pistols were also branded Jieffeco for the distributor Janssen Fils & Cie. The .25 ACP version fed from a 6-round magazine; the .32 ACP version used a 7-round magazine.
Background
Robar & de Kerckhove skirted John Browning's patents by dropping the FN-style enclosing slide for a hidden reciprocating breechblock, letting the little Melior look almost exactly like an FN Browning pocket pistol on the outside while being a completely different machine inside.