Original item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting Belgian Pinfire revolver, made very much in the French style. It looks to be in 9mm Lefaucheux pinfire chambering, double action with a 6 round cylinder. Like most we see, there is no maker mark, but there are a few single letter proofs under crowns, and the cylinder has the the E / L G / * in an Oval marking of the Belgian Gunmaking city of Liège in use prior to 1893. 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 3/8 inch long barrel, and overall length of 10 3/8 inches. It features a standard trigger guard and trigger, most likely intended for use in a holster, not a pocket. The metalwork shows a peppered patina overall, and definitely looks to have seen a good amount of past oxidation, now cleaned away. In spite of this the floral and foliate engraving on the frame and cylinder is still clear. The ornate "gutta percha" composite grips have a lovely color, showing some chipping around the bottom, and have fantastic embossed designs on them.

Functionally, the revolver cycles well and is double action only. We did not notice any finicky behavior, though it does require a strong trigger pull. The bore is unfortunately well oxidized, and has not been cleaned in some time. The ejector works great, and the loading gate is present and fully functional.

A very nice 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: 9mm Lefaucheux
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 10 3/8 inches
Barrel Length: 5 3/8 inches
Action: Double Action only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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