POTD: Long-Lived Belgian Pistol Design – New Model Melior
Sam.S 07.01.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! New Model Melior is a Belgian automatic pistol patented just before the First World War and produced from 1920 up to the 1950’s. Made by Robar & Cie, Liège, it had the look of FN Model 1910 but with an exclusive internal design. It was first available in 6.35mm and 7.65mm and later models post-1945 consisted of .380 and .22 rimfire versions. On the other hand, New Model Melior unlike its ancestor which evolved from FN Model 1900 was designed well enough and made excellently. During exportation to the U.S., this pistol was sold as “Jieffeco” temporarily. The fact that even during WWII production never ceased shows its quality while at the same time being popular amongst users up to today. This pistol represents a significant stage in the early development of the Belgian firearms industry in the twentieth century bridging pre-war designs with post-war market demands.
- “Manufacturer: Robar Et Cie
- Model: Melior
- Type: Pistol
- Gauge: 22
- Barrel: 3 1/2 inch round
- Finish: blue
- Grip: hard rubber”
Lot 200: Three Semi-Automatic Pistols – B) Robar Et Cie New Model Melior Pistol. (n.d.-b). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved July 1, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2091/200/three-semiautomatic-pistols.
