Needed this like a hole in the head

[lilmule]

Just decided I wanted it,Normally wouldn't look twice at a ruby or royal.
Acid etched with a devils pitchfork and tail,so guess one could say the devil made me do it. Royal model 1914 made about 1916=7 not to shabby for say 98 years old,be here next week.

[bassboogieman]

That's a nice looking piece, hard to believe it's that old. I love the grips - they are unique.

[lilmule]

Green maple burl wood,only thing recent about it acid etching was done a long time ago,they did do such work in the factory but seldom documented it,so hard to tell,but definately unusual,most rubys or royals have excessive pitting,making them quite aged and ugly.
But since its not standard if it were be a 700 dollar piece with no pitting,it actually detracts from price worth.Just caught my eye and got it for a song and dance + a few dollars.
Ps insides are just as bright like bore,it is in the serial number range for the french contract but bet it didnt hit the trenches.(ww1).I envision it as belonging to a supply col or someone not in actual combat,often they payed for their own pistol and had extra enbelishments.But most likly added later after service since it showed little wear n tear,but still a very long time ago.

[nobass]

nice gun really looks great

[Old Hooker]

That is definitely different. What caliber is it?

[lilmule]

7.65 or 32 acp it was in ww1 a primary pistol caliber and in ww2 still a secondary,europeans tend to load it hotter.Hope I look as good when im 98 years old ,wishfull thinking.
As the greatwar to end all wars went on,more and more different mfg to fill the ruby contracts poor fit between them became evident then as more time went on less craftmanship.Considered unsafe to have loaded as that wee safety might pop off in a holster,while its a copy of a 1903 colt its lacking a grip safety,and its striker fired,also not drop safe but most back in say 1916 era were not-1914 mauser etc.Coupled with dubious mfg and age most have a safety that falls off all on its own and most have an incredable amount of pitting-trenches were not dry.Over 300,000 from this factory alone were made during ww1 time frame about 1 million all together,serial number is in first hundred thousand,when first contractor had it by himself-hard to pronounce or spell they became llama.
Somehow this one just doesnt fit in,made it thru due to lack of use,its condition wanting each owner to just slip it in a drawer dunno.

Thats a devil with horns etched into it,finish appears like starvel but isnt its an acid bath bare metal or close,and a wonder its pristine as needs oiled often.