Original item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting Belgian Pinfire revolver, made very much in the French style. It looks to be in 7mm Lefaucheux pinfire chambering, double action with a 6 round cylinder. Unlike many we see, there is a B (Crossed Swords) F maker marking on the bottom right frame, which we have not been able to identify, though it has been seen on other examples. There are also a few single letter proofs under crowns, and the cylinder has the the E / L G / * in an Oval marking of the Belgian Gunmaking city of Liège in use prior to 1893. 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 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 French style, with a 3 3/8 inch long barrel, and overall length of 7 3/8 inches. It features a fold-away trigger to make it easier to fit in a pocket, and less likely to catch on something when retrieving it. The revolver looks to originally have been produced with a blued finish on the barrel, frame, and cylinder, with the trigger and hammer being bright steel. The barrel how shows a worn finish, however the frame and the cylinder especially still have much of the blued finish. The grips are in great shape, and have a lovely color, with no major damage or other issues.

Functionally, the revolver cycles well and works in both double action only. It has good indexing with a crisp dry fire. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a mostly bright finish and crisp lands and grooves, with just a bit of fouling. The ejector works great, and the loading gate is present and fully functional.

A very nice Belgian pocket revolver, most likely purchased by an Officer as a Back up Revolver in the Civil War. In lovely condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber: 7mm
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 7 3/8 inches
Barrel Length: 3 3/8 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.