Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice Belgian Pinfire revolver, made very much in the French ;style. It is in the usual 11mm Lefaucheux pinfire chambering, double action with a 6 round cylinder. The left side of the frame is marked MEYERS / BREVETE, indicating it was produced under a patent held by Meyers. It also is marked with * / L and E / L G / * in an oval, for the Belgian Gunmaking city of Liège. During the U.S. Civil War, the area full of contractors producing guns for the export market, particularly to the C.S.A.. Many were already making guns under contract to French makers, so they already had all the designs and tooling on hand.

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. 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 follows the standard French style, with a 6 1/4 inch long barrel, and overall length of 11 inches. The revolver may have originally been blued, but it is now overall faded to a gray patina, with a few spots of rust peppering. It has very nice original checkered walnut grips, which have a great color and standard wear from service. There are the initials E L stamped on the left side of the frame.

The finish is quite nice, though there are signs of past cleaning and oxidation. The original loading gate is present and intact, and is spring loaded so it stays closed. The action cycles correctly in both double and single action, with good indexing and a crisp dry fire. The bore shows clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is some wear and fouling from use.

A very nice example, almost certainly a private purchase Civil War pistol , ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 11mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 11 inches
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 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.