Belgian Double Action Revolving Rifle 12mm Pinfire 26.75″ 10 Shot Antique
SOLD FOR: $4025
LSB#: 220107DW016
Make: Belgium
Model: 10 Shot Revolving Pinfire Rifle
Serial Number: 2805
Year of Manufacture: Mid 1800s
Caliber: 12mm Pinfire
Action Type: Pinfire Double Action Rifle
Markings: The cylinder and frame scroll engraving. The left side of the barrel is marked crown over “EL” and “CHAINEUX / BII”. The left side of the barrel mount running onto the left side of the frame is marked “2805”. The right side of the wrist is stamped “B266”. The right of the barrel assembly, where it mounts to the frame is marked with a faded proof. The top of the rib is marked with what resembles “Bonnerare el Chapon a Buenos Ayer” but is faded.
Barrel Length: 26 3/4” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the rib. The rear sight is a small notch in a base that is fixed to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is smooth walnut with a straight comb, straight grip, and metal buttplatte. There are some scattered nicks scuffs, scratches, and dings. There are no chips or cracks. The length of pull measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scabbing and patina. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is scattered erosion.
Overall Condition: This carbine retains about 10% of its metal finish. The metal shows scattered mottled patina, scabs, discoloration from previous oxidation, thinning, and finish loss. There are a few little nicks, scuffs, and dings. There are some areas of erosion, most noticeable on the cylinder and sides of the hammer. There is a light turn line through on the cylinder. The screwheads display tool marks. The markings are mostly faded. 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 ten-shot cylinder chambered for 12mm Pinfire. 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 pinfire 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 26 3/4″ barrel with a full-length rib. This is an interesting rifle and is still fully functional. Please see our photos and good luck!