REVOLVER LEFAUCHEUX SECOND TYPE
Pinfire revolver, 7 mm caliber, double-action only.
Manufactured around 1865-70 by Eugène Lefaucheux in his shop in Paris, France
Luxury nickel finish, hand engraved.
Serial# LF 12177 stamped on the right side of the chamber after the famous "broken pistol" logo
Marked "INVon E. LEFAUCHEUX BREVETE, PARIS" on top of the barrel
The same mention is stamped in oval on the right side of the trigger block, with the additional "BREVETE S.G.D.G."
These markings indicate that the revolver was made in Eugène Lefaucheux's shop in Paris, rue Vivienne.
The gun was possibly made for export to the UK, where the "double-action only" revolvers were highly appreciated.
Collectors have identified three main types of Lefaucheux revolvers that are in fact linked to the model itself rather than to the period of manufacture.
The 1st type is actually that of the 1854 military model, that has the grip rounded on top. This is the original model, quite influenced by the Colt 1851 Navy.
The 2nd type is the one presented here; it has a rectangular shaped grip that reminds that of the Perrin and Pidault revolvers of the same era.
The 3rd type is the most common one, and can be found in all calibers and finishes. It is the one with the more elaborated grip, with a square hump on top of the grip, meant to fit better in the hand.
Characteristic of the 2nd type is the high quality finish and a far more complex lock mechanism, that includes a number of additional levers and small springs, meant to give the shooter a better comfort and the gun a better accuracy. Either in single, double or triple action, the 2nd model is always a luxury weapon, mostly engraved, of which the complexity and finish allow its manufacture only by highly skilled gunmakers.
In their era, these revolvers were probably far more expensive than the two other types, and probably destined only to rich customers. One might think that Eugène Lefaucheux made in his time the same classification as the today's collectors, and had designed the 1st type for military purposes, the 2nd one for luxury weapons and the 3rd one for all other users.
2nd type revolvers are found in the 7, 9 and 12 mm calibers, but it seems like none have ever been made in the small 5 mm caliber.
Marcel
A French firm manufactures the necessary to reload this type of ammunition.
Look at here: H & C Collection
