Item Description
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 / single 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, mostly CROWN / T. These are the typical markings seen from 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 6 inch long barrel, and overall length of 10 1/2 inches. It features a standard trigger guard and trigger, most likely intended for use in a holster, not a pocket. It is definitely an upmarket example, featuring an ornately floral embossed and engraved frame, with floral engraving on the barrel breech, trigger guard, and grip back strap. The cylinder is even more done up, with criscross engraving intertwined with floral designs, and small silver studs at the intersections of the lines. The cylinder was originally blued, while the rest of the gun looks to have been bright steel, and the finish is actually relatively intact. There is also what looks to be a relatively recent import or collection marking stamped into the bottom of the barrel: BEL 952061.
The grips on this revolver are lovely, and look to be either gutta percha composite or ebony, a very hard and close grained wood. They are checkered with foliate designs at the top, and have silver studs throughout bosh sides. There is a bit of chipping near the top edge, and a bit of cracking, but overall they look great.
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 excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a partly bright finish. It does not look to have seen heavy use during its service life. The ejector is present and functional, though it can pull out the front as the retaining spring is worn. The loading gate is still present, though the lock is missing, and a brass pin has been put in place to keep it closed.
A very good condition ornate 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 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
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- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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.
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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.
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