Original item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting European Style revolver, made very much in the French style, but totally unmarked, except for 2 and rd on the front of the cylinder. We believe this is probably of American manufacture, a retail gunsmith's prototype attempt at making a centerfire version of the European pinfire pistols that were popular during the Civil War Era. It is also possible that it was made in the Belgian Gunmaking city of Liège, however it lacks the usual proof marks that we would expect to see. It is "in the white" with no finish originally, and has a set of lovely walnut grips.

This example follows the standard French pistol style, just a bit larger than a pocket pistol, with a 4 ½ inch long barrel, and overall length of 8 ½ inches. It has a standard trigger with trigger guard, and a lovely "bird's head" shape grip. It looks to be made entirely of steel, and there are no engravings or other types of adornment anywhere on the revolver. Definitely a utilitarian example, meant for service and not display.

The revolver functions well in both double and single action, and appear to be complete, with the loading gate and side mounted ejector rod both present and functional. It even still retains the lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip. The grip scales are in good shape, but they do show wear, and possibly may not be original. We checked the bore, and it still shows strong 6 groove rifling, with only light oxidation and fouling.

A very nice example of what looks to be a prototype .38 centerfire pistol, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: .38
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 8 ½ inches
Barrel Length: 4 ½ 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.

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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.