Original item. Only One Available. Almost certainly made in what is today Belgium, this revolver only has a few markings on it anywhere. Most of these are on the front of the cylinder, however during the U.S. Civil War, the Belgian Gunmaking city of Liège was full of contractors producing guns for the war. Many were already making guns under contract to French makers, so simply omitting the markings was relatively simple.

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 4 3/4 inch long barrel, and overall length of 9 inches. The revolver may have originally been blued, but it is now overall faded to a gray patina, with a few spots of rust peppering. Like other "private purchase" examples we have seen, it has a folding trigger, which would make it easier to fit into a pocket. It has very nice original checkered walnut grips, which have a great color and standard wear from service.

The finish is quite nice, though there are signs of past cleaning and oxidation. The revolver comes complete with ejector rod for ejecting spent cartridges. The original loading gate is present and intact, though the catch is a bit worn, so it does not lock closed. The action cycles correctly in double action only, with good indexing and a crisp dry fire.

Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 11mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 9 inches
Barrel Length: 4 3/4 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.

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.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

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.