Original U.S. Civil War Era French Style 11mm Pinfire Double Action Revolver with Folding Trigger – c. 1860

Description

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 1860Caliber: 11mmAmmunition Type: Pinfire CartridgeOverall Length: 9 inchesBarrel Length: 4 3/4 inchesAction: Double Action OnlyFeed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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