French Model !857

[RSMorris]

This lock is very similar to the one I posted a few days ago. I have seen several of these on the internet.
From what I can gather, it is a French Model 1857. Of the ones I have seen on the net most have the arsenal stamped onto the face.
The face of this lock is totally void of any stamps, but there is Mle 1857 stamped on the reverse. So is this a French Mle 1857 or is it a Belgian copy?

Thanks

 

[rob63]

FWIW, I have a French Model 1892 Revolver, and the markings are literally the exact same font. I have no idea if that is meaningful or not in determining where it was made, just thought it was interesting.

 

[Papabyrd]

interesting and well made pistols

 

[Old Soldier]

The French state arsenal markinga are all in similar script, HOWEVER, I notice the mainspring has asemblers marks on them - the old British/Belgian type made by hamering a turnscrew(?) into the metal - |,\, /, X, V. Plates, springs anor lockplates were often stamped on the edge. The model stamp on the inside looks very French as do the numbered inspectors' marks (14, etc) on the individual parts. So this could be a piece, possibly an outside contract piece, with a broken mainspring repaired in Belgium.
This is a French/Begian lock from a 'Zulu 12-gauge' with similar markings

Pure French locks would have their markings visible on the lock plate

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

Ah, yes, those French - such spendthrifts with those curls and swirls on their lettering, and the lettering itself usually slanted italic-style!

 

[Old Soldier]

Ah, yes, those French - such spendthrifts with those curls and swirls on their lettering, and the lettering itself usually slanted italic-style!

It's called class, Jeff. Class.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I would have thought a Yorkshire man might have considered such frippery a bit of French effeminacy, worthy of my favorite French insult, Poule mouillée

 

[Old Soldier]

I'll stick with CLASS.