[cdnearl]

Looking for info on this gun, from what I can gather it is about 1860. 43 cal. French police or military. There is a number 6 with IV'n ELEFACCHE BREVETE scgd (Paris). Any ideas on value and is there a couple rounds of ammo out there to display with it? Thanks, Earl

 

[nmckenzie]

Hicks' French Military Weapons 1717-1938 has a line drawing of a pinfire revolver which pretty much matches your photos. It's listed as Revolver, Model 1855, Navy, cal.12mm pinfire, Lefaucheux System, Single Action. The text also contains a note regarding a Model 1855, Transformed 1870, Center Fire (doesn't say which ctg.), Double Action. Afraid I can't help you regarding value or with a source for cartridges.

 

[WHSmithIV]

I love the artwork on it. Looks like it's in nice condition also. I'd love to make it shoot

 

[nmckenzie]

I love the artwork on it. Looks like it's in nice condition also. I'd love to make it shoot

Agree regarding the artwork. Can't help but wonder whether this was a higher grade revolver perhaps intended for officers of flag rank, or possibly a civilian presentation model. Given the model year, be interesting to know whether some of them ended up in Union or Confederate hands - my bet would be on the latter.

 

[TheGunClinger]

Probably should move this post to "Ask the pros" forum. Nice piece!

 

[hrf]

Welcome to the forum cdnearl.

There's a member of this forum whose user name is lefaucheux 54 who usually comments on pinfires, and may reply if he sees this thread.

You could also contact host of the "little gun" site and send him the photos:
http://www.littlegun.info/sponsors/1 fiche mail.htm

Here are his examples of Lefaucheux pinfire revolvers:

http://www.littlegun.info/arme francaise/artisans k l/a lefaucheux gb.htm

 

[hrf]

Agree regarding the artwork. Can't help but wonder whether this was a higher grade revolver perhaps intended for officers of flag rank, or possibly a civilian presentation model.

The engraving doesn't look presentation quality to me, and my WAG is the gun was a civilian piece, not military.

 

[lefaucheux 54]

Hello
Can you transmit me type LF number , please

Have a look here , ok its a7 mm and 9 mm and you'res is a 12 mm but the principe is the same
I've not translation in english of a 12 mm , but if you read some french ...

a 7 mm in english
http://www.lesgrosbarbares.info/lefaucheux/index.php?file=Sections&op=article&artid=240

a 9 mm in english
http://www.lesgrosbarbares.info/lefaucheux/index.php?file=Sections&op=article&artid=230

a 12 mm in french pinfire
http://www.lesgrosbarbares.info/lefaucheux/index.php?file=Sections&op=article&artid=38

a 12 mm triple action (in french) but central fire
http://www.lesgrosbarbares.info/lefaucheux/index.php?file=Sections&op=article&artid=151

Lefaucheux

 

[hrf]

Hello
Can you transmit me type LF number , please

Lefaucheux

Here is a brightened clip of his photo showing the LF (serial) number; I think it is 17720

 

[lefaucheux 54]

probably more 10720 ;-)

LF

 

[cdnearl]

It is 10720.

 

[cdnearl]

Here are more pics

 

[lefaucheux 54]

This is a 12 mm pinfire revolver in TRIPLE aCTION.
Made by Eugène Lefaucheux, I think, after 1865. ( because of the LF number and the form of the butt)
LF 10720 is the serial number.
M16 is his assembly number
Sold by Lefaucheux him self (his name on the barrel)
The "G" under the wooden parts and the "6" under the barrel are unknown for me

LF