Original Belgian Colt Breveté 1851 Folding Trigger Transition Model Revolver by Toussaint Joseph Lhoist of Liège - As seen on Pawn Stars
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Original Item: Only One Available. This exceptionally fine Belgian percussion Colt Breveté Folding Trigger Transition Model Revolver by Toussaint Joseph Lhoist of Liège was featured and test fired on an episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars in 2026. You can watch it on the episode below:
Original Item: Only One Available. This exceptionally fine Belgian percussion revolver represents a rare and early “transition” model, bridging the gap between pepperbox designs and fully developed Colt-style revolvers. Manufactured in Liège by Toussaint Joseph Lhoist and signed T. LHOIST BREVETÉ, it reflects the high level of craftsmanship for which Belgian gunmakers were renowned during the 19th century—particularly in their licensed and unlicensed adaptations of American firearms.
The revolver is .32 caliber and features a hidden folding trigger, a hallmark of discreet, early percussion handguns. It is a percussion revolver with a rotating cylinder mounted on an axis pin, the barrel attached directly to the axis of rotation. Below this axis is an opening that allows the passage of a separate loading rod, used to load each chamber from the front—an important transitional feature in revolver development.
The grips appear to be ebony, finely gridded, complementing the revolver’s high-quality manufacture and delicate engraving. A Liège proof is also present on the cylinder and the side of the barrel is marked:
T. LHOIST
BREVETE
A CHERATTE
Although Lhoist filed three patents between 1851 and 1853—including designs inspired by Mariette pepperboxes and the Colt 1851—none correspond exactly to this revolver, reinforcing its status as an earlier transitional piece. Notably, Colt officially granted Toussaint Lhoist the right to manufacture firearms under the Colt system, including front-loaded cylinders and loading levers, and Lhoist served as a European representative of the Colt brand.
A six-shot Toussaint Lhoist revolver dated 1851 is held in the Musée d’Armes de Liège (reference 1808), suggesting this revolver was produced by the same maker during his formative period. Taken together, these details place this example among the earliest and most intriguing Belgian Colt-system revolvers.
A rare, historically significant firearm combining Belgian artistry, American mechanical influence, and early Colt-licensed technology—a standout piece for advanced collectors of 19th-century percussion revolvers.
Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1851-1853
Caliber: .32
Ammunition Type: Percussion
Barrel Length:
Overall Length:
Action: Single Action
Feed System: Revolver
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