Original item. Only One Available. This is a lovely matured example of a Belgian Pinfire revolver, made very much in the French style. It looks to be in 11mm Lefaucheux pinfire chambering, double / single action with a 6 round cylinder. There are no markings aside from serial number 86 on the cylinder, trigger, frame, and other components. However, it was almost certainly made in the Belgian Gunmaking city of Liège, who may have avoided putting their definitive proof on export guns destined for the Americas. 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 5 ½ inch long barrel, and overall length of approximately 10 inches. It features a "fold away" trigger with no trigger guard, but due to the size we assume it was intended for a holster and not a pocket. It looks to be a utilitarian example, as we cannot see any engraving or other adornments. However the entire surface shows a dark oxidized patina with some peppering, so it is always possible that it at one time had more decorations and markings.

The wooden grips on this revolver are very nice, still showing much of the original checkering, though they are now worn and quite dark in color due to use and oxidation. There are some small dents and chips, but nothing out of the ordinary for a revolver that saw long service. Like most we see, there is a lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip, which is still fully intact and functional.

Functionally, the revolver cycles well and functions in both double and single action. We did not notice any finicky behavior, and the indexing and cylinder lockup are strong in single action. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There are areas of oxidation and fouling, so it definitely did see some level of use during its service life. The ejector is present and works great, with a tensioning spring to keep it in place, and the loading gate works as well, with a functional spring latch.

A lovely matured Belgian pinfire revolver, most likely purchased by an Officer as a Back up Revolver in the Civil War. In lovely condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 11mm Lefaucheux
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 10 inches
Barrel Length: 5 ½ inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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