Belgian 9mm Pinfire Lefaucheux 2.5″ Double-Action Pepperbox Pistol Antique
SOLD FOR: $1276
LSB#: 220421DW006
Make: Belgian
Model: Pinfire Pepperbox Revolver
Serial#: 319031165
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1860-1877, Antique
Caliber: 9mm Pinfire
Action Type: Double-Action Only Folding Trigger Pinfire Pepperbox Revolver with 6 Side-Gate Loaded Barrels and a Cleaning Rod fixed to the Butt-Strap.
Markings: The rear end of the barrels, only visible when the revolver is taken down, is marked with a crown above “Y” which was an inspector’s marking used until 1877 (after 1877 inspector’s markings featured a star in lieu of a crown) and an oval marked “E / LG/ *” which indicates the gun was made before 1893. The grip strap is marked “JD” on the left and “FW” on the right. The right grip strap features the serial number “319031165” which appears to have been added post production. There are decorative floral engravings on the frame and barrels..
Barrel Length: Approximately 2.5”
Sights/ Optics: There is no provision for iron sights.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece smooth wood panels. The butt-strap has a provision for the included cleaning rod. The grips have some light handling marks, compressions and nicks. Notably, the grips have black oil stains concentrated on the upper portion of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip panels are in Very Good condition for Antiques.
Type of Finish: Blue and Bright Metal
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are all mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion concentrated in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 5% of its metal finish. The gun’s original finishes have largely worn off and the gun has taken a patina color from oxidation. There are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs on the gun’s metal surfaces. Notably, there are several light-moderate patches of pitting scattered on the frame and barrels. The markings on the rear end of the barrel are obscured by oxidation, but the rest remain clear. The screwheads have light tool-marks but they remain serviceable. Overall, the gun is in Very Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action is a bit heavy. The chambers lock with light play on the frame. We have not fired this pepperbox revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a cleaning rod installed into the grip through a slot on the butt-strap.
Our Assessment: This is a Belgian manufactured pepperbox revolver chambered for 9mm Pinfire (Lefaucheux) cartridges. Frenchman Casimir Lefaucheux invented the first efficient self-contained cartridge system, the pinfire cartridge in 1823. Tragically, Casimir lived a short life and passed away in 1852 at the tender age of 50 but the pinfire cartridge would prove an important development in the evolution of firearms technology. Casimir’s son Euegene would go on to patent a military revolver chambered for his father’s unique cartridge which was pressed into service during the American Civil War and later during Franco Prussian War. A number of manufacturers began to develop arms chambered for the novel cartridges including the dynamic Liege based Belgian gun industry. This pepperbox revolver was made by a Belgian gun manufacturer and has the characteristic Liege proof house marks on it. The gun is well preserved and remains an impressive old handgun. Whether you are a fan of historical firearms, want a weapon chambered for the unique Lefaucheux 9mm pinfire cartridge or just want something a bit different than this is the gun for you. Good luck on your bid!