Gyro Target Hand Trap

HB... here is a unique one. Gyro Target hand trap. I believe its French manufactured. Only marking on the unit;
PAT. E M Brevet`e S.G.D.G. ? Your thoughts?...

Trap3

 

Well, I don't have this in my files on hand traps though I've seen this object someplace before.

First let's get the marking out of the way. "Brevet'e S.G.D.G." is "brevet'e sans garantie du gouvernment" and translates something like "Patent Without Guarantee of the Government." This marking can be found on guns, clocks and most any other object, even on bottles of cognac. I read about a Browning shotgun that had this marked on the barrel, so I'm not certain that all object with this indicator are of French origin.

I see a Bussey Gyro Pigeon at the top of the picture and it appears this gadget will not throw that target.

Can you provide me with information on its operation? Is it a wind-up, spring-loaded device with a lever release mechanism? If so, how is it readied for firing or launching? Does the release operation spin the small protruding shaft?

Hopefully, additional information might lead me to an answer for you. I haven't spent any time on foreign patents so I figured I would not be able to provide anything on your "thingy."

HB

 

HB... the hand trap (gyro launcher) is a wind up device with a lever to release target. Top of launcher turns
clockwise with a catch every half turn. When released the top or head spins... Correct, the Bussey target was not made for this hand launcher. Used as an example of the type of target... Thanks again,

Trap3

 

I'll bet if someone wanted to destroy a Bussy wing, they could drill 2 holes just a hair larger than the pins, 90 degrees to the originals, and you would ahve a target that would work on this thrower...

Nice find just the same.