Belgian Open Top Revolving Rifle 11mm Centerfire 26″ Double Action Antique
SOLD FOR: $2091.59
LSB#: 220107DW015
Make: Belgium
Model: Revolving Rifle
Serial Number: 18008
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1892
Caliber: 11mm Centerfire
Action Type: Double Action Revolving Rifle
Markings: The barrel, trigger guard, frame, and cylinder have pinstripe engraving, the trigger guard, frame and cylinder also have scroll engraving. The cylinder is marked with a ” * / D” and with an ovalled “E / LG” proof. The bottom of the barrel and the right side of the frame are marked with the serial number. The right side of the barrel at the forcing cone is marked ” * / D”. The left side of the barrel assembly, where it is mounted to the frame, is marked with a crown over “J”.
Barrel Length: 25 5/8” Octagonal, Nominal 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a wide inverted “V” blade dovetailed into the rib. The rear sight is a two-position sight, when down there is a fixed “V” notch and when flipped up there is a ladder with a “V” notched slider.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut with a straight comb, straight grip, and metal buttplate. There is a crack on the wrist at the back of the top tang. There are scattered areas of finish loss. There are some scattered nicks scuffs, scratches, and dings. The Length of Pull measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is deep. There are scattered spots of surface erosion.
Overall Condition: This carbine retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish has mostly gone cloudy. There are some areas of light surface frost. There are a few spots of finish loss that have taken on oxidation. The screwheads display tool marks. The markings range from faded to well defined. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as an Antique
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a very neat revolving rifle. It has a six-shot cylinder chambered for 11mm Centerfire and an opentop frame. The revolving rifle was a design that was short lived in the 1800s. Chainfires were an issue with the percussion rifles but that was eliminated with this rifle with its self-contained centerfire cartridge. The main issue that remained was that with the supporting hand in front of the cylinder, hot gasses and shavings of lead could spray the shooter as they escape from the cylinder. The trigger guard on this particular rifle has a vertical front face that was likely for the support hand but still did not move it back far enough. The rifle has a 25 5/8″ barrel with a nickel finish. This is an interesting rifle and is still fully functional. Please see our photos and good luck!