Item:
ONSV22MAX107

Original U.S. Civil War Era British Style 9mm Pinfire Double Action Revolver - circa 1859

Item Description

Original item. Only One Available. This is a very nice U.S. Civil War era pinfire revolver, made very much in the British style. It is in the less common 9mm Lefaucheux pinfire chambering, double action with a 6 round cylinder. The overall shape is reminiscent of the British Adams revolvers, and with a top strap and flat bottomed checkered grip, it definitely looks more British than French / Belgian. However, there are not any markings that we can see on the revolver whatsoever, so there is really no way to tell where it came from.

Both French and British style pinfire revolvers were made in 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 the British and 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 British style, with a 5 inch long barrel, and overall length of 10 1/4 inches. The revolver still retains much of the original blued finish, especially on the frame, and has lovely foliate engraving on both sides of the revolver, as well as on the bottom of the trigger guard. Overall it shows a very high level of manufacturing and artistic skill in the execution. It has very nice original checkered walnut grips, which have a great color and only light wear from service. There is the standard lanyard loop on the butt cap, which is still fully intact.

The revolver functions well in double action only, though it may have originally been able to be used in single action. The loading gate and ejector rod are both intact and functional, though the loading gate axis screw can become loose, allowing the gate to fall open. The bore is in very good condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish.

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

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1859
Caliber: 9mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 10 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 5 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.

  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
  • Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon

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