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CIVIL WAR Antique LEFAUCHEUX Model 1854 Pinfire UNION ARMY Revolver 1 of 11,833 PURCHASED During the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Guns International #: 102281412 Seller's Inventory #: 226528
Category: Civil War Revolvers - Handguns - French Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1438
Total Number of Listings: 29867
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
CIVIL WAR Antique LEFAUCHEUX Model 1854 Pinfire UNION ARMY Revolver
1 of 11,833 PURCHASED During the AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Here we present an antique E. Lefaucheux Brevet Model 1854 Single Action Pinfire Revolver in 12mm, manufactured in Paris, France circa 1861 with a production run between 1854 and 1870. In 1854, Frenchman Eugene Lefaucheux introduced the Lefaucheux Model 1854, notable as being the first revolver to use self-contained metallic cartridges rather than loose powder, pistol ball, and percussion caps. The Model 1854 was a single-action, pinfire revolver holding six rounds. It was a French military revolver chambered for the 12 mm pinfire cartridge, based on a design by Casimir Lefaucheux (Eugene's father, who was also a gun designer). The M1854 revolver spawned numerous variants, some of which were produced under license in other countries. It was widely exported during the 1860s and sold as both a military and civilian sidearm with either a short or long barrel. Most military models were produced only as single-action weapons, whereas civilian models were made primarily as double-action weapons.
Just before the beginning of the Civil War, Eugene Lefaucheux had obtained the U.S. patent #31809 that covered this revolver. Later on, between September 1861 and June 1862, and under the direction of Colonel George Schuyler, the Union Army purchased a total of 11,833 Lefaucheaux Model 1854 revolvers. 10,000 of these were directly delivered by Eugene Lefaucheux himself. 1,500 were purchased through Alexis Godillot, gunmaker at Paris and Liege, and the remaining 333 by 6 other American traders. ALL of these revolvers were manufactured by E. Lefaucheux in his Parisian shop, and bear serial numbers between 25,067 and 36,900. This revolver is serial numbered 32,296, making it manufactured in the middle of these 11,833. They were all issued to units and saw use during the entire war.
This large bore, single action revolver was quite a favorite with soldiers. It was quite superior in many ways to contemporaneous American designs, most of which were still using the percussion firing system, of which Colt, Remington and Starr were the largest contractors. The biggest exception to that was Smith & Wesson’s No. 2 “Old Army” Revolver, but that was chambered for a relatively small .32 Rimfire metallic cartridge.
A little more history on the Lefaucheux family. In 1835, a notable gun maker and inventor Casimir Lefaucheux patented one of the first self-contained firearms cartridges, which he had designed back in 1828. This very early design included a case with ball, powder and primer, but what made it different from what was to come later in cartridge development was the “firing pin” that projected out of the side of the case. It was this pin that was struck and detonated the primer inside. His son, Eugene, would build on Casimir’s invention, designing a pistol to take advantage of it. The hammer would be flat and smash down on the side of the cylinder, from which the pin of the cartridge would project. This revolver and pistol design would become prolific, especially in Europe throughout the 19th Century, being adopted by militaries, used by civilians and police, and even being sold for use during the American Civil War.
The overall condition is good. Strong action. Original patina preserved. Very good bore for its age. Both grips are in good shape with only minor dents and dings from use. Legible markings. The front sight is missing. The latch on the loading gate is missing.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 4-3/4 inches.
Caliber: 12mm Pinfire
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$1750
#226528
SOLD
Antique: Yes