Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice U.S. Civil War era Imported 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. There are no maker markings on it, so we assumed it was an unmarked Continental example, probably from Belgium. However, close examination shows the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS marking on the underside of the barrel, and on the cylinder next to every chamber. This is the proof mark of the English City of Birmingham, a major center of Firearms manufacturing in Great Britain for centuries. During the U.S. Civil War, the area full of contractors producing guns for the export market, particularly to the C.S.A..

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 1/4 inches. It still retains lots of the original blued finish on the exterior, some of which has faded to more of a brown patina. It has very nice original checkered walnut grips, which have a great color and light wear from service. There are the initials F T stamped on the left side of the frame under the grips.

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 is in excellent condition, showing crisp lands and grooves with a bright finish. This revolver does not look to have seen much firing at all.

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 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
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.