French Lefaucheux Pinfire 11mm SA/DA Revolver Carbine, MFD C. Mid 1800s
SOLD FOR: $1625
LSB#: 210218WW07
Make: French
Model: Pinfire Revolving Carbine
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: Circa mid-1800s
Caliber: 4mm Pinfire
Action Type: Single and Double Action SA/DA 6-Shot Revolver Carbine
Markings: The receiver and grip tangs feature floriate engraving.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered wood with straight grip, straight comb, and and steel buttplate. The wood has an overall dark appearance with light nicks and scuffs throughout and moderate nicks along the comb. The checkering is mostly worn down, and there are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows moderate surface oxidation throughout Overall, the stock rate in Good condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: No finish remains.
Finish Originality: We see no signs of refinishing, only cleaning and wear from age.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly dark with poorly-defined rifling. There is moderate erosion throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. All metal surfaces show light-to-moderate surface oxidation which resolves to a dark patina nearer to the muzzle. The engraving on the cylinder has mostly worn away. The screws show light-to-moderate tool marks with mostly usable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition, as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action is heavy with a tight break, and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: On offer here is a fascinating carbine that is effectively a revolver with a 24” barrel. It utilizes pinfire cartridges, which was in its time revolutionary. This particular rifle uses technology created by Casimir Lefaucheux who had improved on the pioneering work of Jean Samuel Pauly. This example dates back to sometime in the mid-1800s (no original markings remain, so we can only approximate) and while it shows its age, ownership of this piece really comes down to just how interesting the way firearms technology has evolved truly is. This rifle is an example of a great leap forward that was then followed by an even greater leap, and owning this it guarantees interesting questions and fun conversations. Good luck and happy bidding!