Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Belgian made Civil War era 11mm Lefaucheux style pinfire belt revolver, circa 1860, with a 5 1/2" barrel, six shot cylinder, and double action / single action mechanism. It follows the familiar French style of mid 19th century pinfire revolvers and bears Belgian Liège proof and inspection markings, though no individual maker name is present.

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 revolver appears to be chambered for approximately 11mm Lefaucheux pinfire ammunition and uses a six chamber cylinder. Pinfire ammunition was one of the earliest practical self contained cartridge systems, using a small pin projecting from the side of the cartridge case that was struck by the hammer to ignite the charge. Systems of this type represented an important transitional step between percussion revolvers and later rimfire and centerfire cartridge arms.

The left side of the cylinder bears the Belgian Liège proof:

E / L G / *

in an Oval. Beneath this is a Crown / K inspection mark, which is also present on the left side of the barrel near the breech. These markings identify Belgian manufacture and inspection, consistent with production in the Liège armsmaking district.

This example is of the traditional belt size, with a 5 1/2" barrel and an overall length of approximately 10". The bore measures approximately .43", which is consistent with an 11mm class pinfire revolver. The design is utilitarian, with no decorative engraving, and is fitted with a conventional trigger guard, trigger, and lanyard loop at the base of the grip frame.

The revolver originally carried a blue black finish, traces of which remain in protected areas, particularly at the rear of the left recoil shield and in other recessed surfaces. Most exposed metal has aged to an even oxidized gray brown patina with scattered light peppering. There are no obvious signs of aggressive cleaning or modern refinishing.

The fully checkered wooden grips are in very good condition overall and retain an attractive aged color. There is a small chip at the bottom of the right grip panel. The lanyard loop remains intact and moves freely.

Mechanically, the revolver presently functions in single action. The trigger will rotate the cylinder in double action, but the internal connection that should also cock and release the hammer is not functioning correctly, so the full double action cycle is incomplete. The loading gate remains present with a functional spring and positive detent, and the ejector rod is present and operates correctly, locking back into its forward position.

The bore is in very good condition with a mostly bright surface, crisp lands and grooves, and clearly visible five groove rifling. There is light old fouling and oxidation in portions of the grooves, but the bore does not appear heavily worn. These observations describe only the present mechanical and bore condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the revolver is safe to load or fire.

With its Belgian Liège proof marks, circa 1860 pinfire configuration, 11mm caliber, 5 1/2" barrel, six shot cylinder, checkered grips, lanyard loop, functional loading gate and ejector, and strong five groove bore, this is an appealing example of the type of European cartridge revolver available during the Civil War era. The incomplete double action mechanism, small grip chip, finish loss, light peppering, and minor bore oxidation are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Civil War era sidearm, Belgian arms, Lefaucheux pinfire, transitional cartridge revolver, or advanced 19th century handgun collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 11mm Lefaucheux - five groove rifling
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 10 inches
Barrel Length: 5 1/2 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.