Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Belgian Civil War era double action pinfire pocket revolver, made circa 1860 in the French style and chambered for approximately 7mm Lefaucheux type pinfire ammunition. It features a six shot cylinder, folding trigger, extensive engraved and embossed decoration, figured walnut grips, a 3 3/8" barrel, and serial number 13448. The revolver retains substantial surviving blue, functions in both single and double action, and has a very good five groove rifled bore.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The pinfire system was one of the earliest successful self contained metallic cartridge systems. Its cartridges used a small pin projecting from the side of the case, which was struck by the hammer to ignite the internal priming compound. Compared with contemporary percussion revolvers, pinfire arms offered the significant advantage of using a self contained cartridge and became especially popular in continental Europe during the mid 19th century.

This revolver follows the compact French style commonly associated with Lefaucheux pattern pocket arms. It has a 3 3/8" barrel and measures approximately 7 3/8" overall, making it well suited to coat pocket carry. The revolver has a six shot cylinder and a folding trigger without a trigger guard. We measured the cylinder chambers, and they are approximately 7.7mm wide at the muzzle end, and the bore measures about 7.6mm land to land. We have labeled this as 7mm Lefaucheux, but it could be a slightly larger size.

The lower right side of the frame is marked with the serial number:-

13448

We were not able to see any other markings, however the cylinder is marked with a

(CROWN)
N

on the side, with

(CROWN)
U

on the rear of the cylinder. These crowned proof and inspection marks are consistent with Belgian manufacture, most likely in the Liège gunmaking region.

The revolver is extensively decorated. The frame and surrounding metal surfaces carry high relief engraved and embossed acanthus leaf motifs, particularly along the frame sides and around the cylinder. Additional engraved ornament appears across the flats near the action and around the cylinder, leaving relatively few undecorated exterior surfaces.

The revolver appears to have originally carried a blued finish over much of the metalwork, with possible contrasting finish treatment on the trigger and smaller components. A substantial amount of blue remains, particularly on the cylinder, while the exposed areas have aged to an attractive gray patina. There is little evidence of significant pitting or heavy oxidation.

The grip panels are dark red brown walnut with notably figured grain approaching a burl like appearance in places. Both grips show light age and handling wear but no visible cracks or repairs. The lanyard loop at the base of the grip remains present and moves freely.

Mechanically, the revolver cycles in both double action and single action during manual inspection. The folding trigger moves and seats correctly, the loading gate remains present and functional, and the ejector rod operates properly in its present condition. Its tensioning spring is also intact and keeps the ejector positioned against the revolver when not in use.

The bore is in very good condition for its age and retains clear five groove rifling. The interior is mostly bright with scattered areas of old fouling and oxidation. The lands remain relatively crisp with limited visible wear. These observations describe only the revolver’s present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that it is safe to load or fire.

With its compact pinfire configuration, six shot cylinder, single and double action mechanism, folding trigger, extensive engraved decoration, Belgian proof and inspection markings, substantial surviving blue, figured walnut grips, and very good five groove bore, this is a particularly attractive mid 19th century Belgian pocket revolver. The uncertain exact cartridge designation and unidentified maker are fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a pinfire firearm, Lefaucheux system, Belgian arms, Civil War era sidearm, or advanced 19th century revolver collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 7mm Lefaucheux
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 7 3/8 inches
Barrel Length: 3 3/8 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.