Lefaucheux, LF 81769, model 1864 or the M/64/98.
A little bit of history.
The model 1854 was adopted as a military revolver on the 27 October 1857, by the French Imperial Navy for its simplicity of mechanism and its fast loading, at the detriment of the percussion models of Colt and Adams.
Following its adoption, several countries in Europe will be equipped with the same model and Norway does not deprive of.
Lefaucheux revolvers were ordered by the Norwegian army directly in Parisian workshops from rue Lafayette in two times.
A first order of 800 revolvers, 1854 model, for the Navy is placed after the prescription of 1859.
The delivery took place during 1860.
These are Single Action revolvers, trigger guard with finger rest and the stub of the butt in "diamond" form.
The LF serial numbers of these weapons are between the LF14728 and the LF15 901 (according to my records not complete of January 2013).
In 1864, a new order is made by the army for 1100 single action revolvers with round barrel for troops, 200 revolvers of the same model but with octagonal barrel and 200 revolvers in triple action round barrel and / or octagonal for officers.
This command 1500 revolvers were delivered in 1864 and received the designation of "Model M/1864"
Meanwhile, the Navy command 300 single action revolvers and 200 in triple action.
The "Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk" gets the license in 1868 and will produce approximately 200 single action revolvers (model 1864, identifiable by the letter "K" on the right side of the barrel), and many spare parts.
The LF serial numbers of these revolvers delivered in 1864 is located:
- For the 400 revolvers in 12 mm Triple action between LF 155 and LF 3445.
- For 1600 revolvers in 12 mm Single Action mainly between the LF80209 and the LF82238, with two exceptions: the LF 56234 and LF 64324 (according to my records not complete of January 2013).
The SA revolver in open frame used by the Norwegian army is subsequently found to be too fragile.
In 1898, a number of these revolvers troops have been modified by the addition of a stiffening ribbon above the barrel.
In a form of a fork, leaving the passage for the hammer and surmounted by a target, terminated by two claws taking position in two notches at the top of the breech.
The front of this ribbon fits into a notch on top and screwed.
Revolvers with this modification adopt the model name “M/64/98”.
It should be noted that no revolver delivered in 1860 has been modified by the addition of the ribbon.
Despite the advent of rim and center-fire during the 1870s, Lefaucheux revolver is a weapon very popular in the army until 1890 and remained until 1920 and even after the introduction of a Nagant revolver and Colt.
In 1926 there were over 1371 Lefaucheux revolvers in the arsenals Norwegians.
In 1931, revolvers Lefaucheux formally scrapped.
However, in 1940 there were still 138 revolvers stored in the main arsenal of Oslo.
The revolver LF 81769.
Specifications:
Weight: 1080 grams
Hammer: type regulatory
Caliber: 12 mm, 6 shot pin
Mechanism: Single Action
Total length: 310 mm
Barrel length: 156 mm
Thunder length: 36 mm
Ribbon length: 79 mm
Ribbon width: 10 / 22.6 mm
Cylinder length: 33 mm
Cylinder diameter: 42 mm
Diameter barrel ext.: 28 mm
Round trigger guard.
Flat heel secured by two screws on each arm of the stock.
Proofs and markings:
All parts of the weapon have a number of assemblies, "77 Q".
The "rears up lion" can positively identify the weapon as regulatory Norwegian.
The number "LF 81769" on the right console and "INVon. BREVETE E. LEFAUCHEUX sgdg (PARIS) in oval and the "Ace of Spades" on the left console show a production in the workshops of the rue Lafayette in Paris.
On top of the barrel "E. LEFAUCHEUX BRté SGDG A PARIS "
Under the gun at the central axis number "9".
On the inside of the barrel two numbers, the "1274" and "45".
Under the flange connecting the "A 1769."
The lower arm of the butt has a "G" and the letter "L" in an oval.
On the frame, between the two fastening screws of the lower arm, the same number as that of the ribbon, the "1769", but without the "A".
The hammer, in addition to the "77Q" has the number "1769 H"
The wooden blocks are certainly original, the "77 Q" is inscribed in ink, but modified by the addition of an "H" and repaired.
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