Make: Belgian
Model: Folding Trigger Pinfire Pocket Revolver
Serial Number: No Serial Number visible (NSN). The loading gate and cylinder are each marked "16", likely an assembly number.
Year of Manufacture: ca. 1860s-1893
Caliber: 5mm Pinfire
Action Type: Single/Double Action, Folding Trigger, Lefaucheux-style Revolver
Markings: The loading gate and cylinder are each marked "16", likely an assembly number. The cylinder has a pre-1893 Belgian proof mark. There is rudimentary but pleasing decorative dot, floral scroll, and intertwined line engraving throughout.
Barrel Length: 2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. There is no rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth antique ivory panels. The grips show some discoloration from age. There are a few tiny scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is well defined. There is erosion and some pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is scattered light surface oxidation and infrequent minor erosion. There are some nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There is a thin crack on the bottom of the frame across a screw-hole behind the trigger. The markings range from clear to worn. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks with light to moderate play when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a beautiful antique cross-hatched brown leather and brass trimmed “wallet” or “cigar” snap-case with a purple felt “French fit” body and a purple satin lining at the underside of the top lid. There is a small compartment for 5mm rounds on the felt body of the case, but it’s missing the pull stud. Additionally, the case shows moderate to heavy wear to the leather, as well as some scattered tearing to the purple satin lid lining.
Our Assessment: This Antique Belgian Made Lefaucheux Pattern Revolver dates to the ca. 1860s-1893, remains in Very Good condition as antique, and is chambered for 5mm Pinfire. The Pinfire cartridge was designed by French inventor Casimir Lefaucheux; sadly Casimir had a short life and died at age 50. His boy Eugene proved to be a “prodigal son”, and he designed a revolver that chambered his father’s cartridge at age 22. The design is remembered as the Model 1854 Lefaucheux Revolver, which was the first revolver to feature a bored-through cylinder (well before Smith & Wesson). A military variant of the revolver was adopted by several European powers, including France and Spain, and it was imported by the Union for use during the American Civil War. The gun was manufactured by a number of Liege based Belgian firms and French gunsmiths for commercial sales as well. This particular specimen is an interesting variant which is quite small, measuring approximately 4 3/4" x 3" overall. The gun was clearly a luxury item with its decorative engraving and well fit antique ivory grips. The gun comes with a beautiful original “wallet” or “cigar” snap-case that’s often found with these higher end Belgian Lefaucheux Pattern Revolvers. This would make a wonderful addition to any historical firearms collection.
Pistol