Original item. Only One Available. The Pinfire system was the earliest form of "Cartridge" developed with a pin projecting out at 90 degrees to the cartridge case. When depressed by the falling hammer the cartridge discharged. At the time up against muzzle loading Revolvers these were revolutionary. However, the firing system was never as popular as might have been expected. Like most things by the end of the Civil War technology had moved on and in the late 1860's regular type cartridges as we know them today had been introduced.

This example looks to be a Austrian Gasser M1860 Style pinfire revolver, with a 5 3/4 inch long barrel, and overall length of 9 inches. It looks to be in the standard 11mm pinfire calibre developed by Casimir Lefaucheux. These LARGE revolvers were very much favored in the Balkan State of MONTENEGRO in the mid-late 19th century. They were almost considered as men's jewelry. It has very nice original checkered walnut "bag" grips, which have some lovely mother of pearl inlays, certainly added after original manufacture. The grips show little wear and have a lovely color, indicating only light use, and the lanyard ring is still present.

The owner apparently added their name to the top of the barrel, along with a date, which we have attempted to read:

A. R. Tristin 1875.

The original bright steel finish is quite nice, though there are signs of past cleaning and oxidation. The revolver comes complete with ejector rod for ejecting spent cartridges. The revolver comes complete with ejector rod for ejecting spent cartridges. The loading gate is still fully functional, with a working closure catch spring. The revolver functions well in double and single action, with good indexing and lockup. There is even a safety spring to prevent the hammer falling during reloading. The barrel has 6 groove rifling, which is still very well retained, with just a bit of oxidation.

Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 11mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 11 inches
Barrel Length: 5 3/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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.