The Lefaucheux faced competition from various revolvers of the era, particularly the Beaumont-Adams Revolver (the first true double action revolver) and the Remington 1858. Soon, however, the Lefaucheux began to be replaced as Colt and Remington increased their production to quickly supply both sides. The French Cavalry would also use the Lefaucheux during their deployment to Mexico in 1862, while other Lefaucheuxs would be sold to various nations such as Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Norway and Russia as well as both sides of the American Civil War.ĭuring the American Civil War 12,000 Lefaucheuxs were purchased for use by the Union forces, which were largely issued to cavalry units. Cartridges are loaded via a hinged plate on the right side of the frame. This lovely double action revolver features a 6-shot cylinder and a 5-inch barrel. First used by the French Navy, the LeFaucheux saw extensive service among Union cavalry in the American Civil War. The Lefaucheux M1858 was never adopted by the French Army, the French Navy instead adopting it as their primary service revolver in 1858. Produced in France, this revolver fired the 12mm pinfire cartridge. This cartridge was specifically designed for the Lefaucheux with a pinfire primer and blackpowder charge, while the large calibre better matched the other firearms of the era. The Lefaucheux M1858 was chambered to accept a 12mm diameter bullet, fired from a metallic cartridge. An extractor system was also featured on the Lefaucheux, which had an ejector rod that ran along the barrel and pushed cartridges out of the gate. One such creation became the Model 1854 revolver which saw combat in many period clashes including the American Civil War (1861-1865) - joining a plethora of handguns to see. The gate would then be closed before firing (although the Lefaucheux would still fire with it open). Lefaucheuxs son, Eugene Lefaucheux, took to the family business and made his own name by developing several firearms to utilize his fathers creation to the fullest. When open, the gate allowed acess to the the 1st chamber on the right-hand side of the hammer and allowed the user to load each chamber one at a time. The percussion lock system itself was modified to allow. The Lefaucheux M1858 was of a fairly basic design, with an open frame and a modified percussion lock system. The Lefaucheux was also the first service revolver to use metallic cartridges by any national government. The Lefaucheux also had a basic double action system, and was one of the earliest examples of a true double action system (following the Beaumont-Adams Revolver).Ĭartridges were loaded via a hinged gate located at the rear of the cylinder. The Lefaucheux M1858 was a pinfire double action revolver that served as France's primary service revolver from 1858 to 1865. The percussion lock system itself was modified to allow the Lefaucheux to use pinfire cartridges, with the hammer modified to better strike the cartridge. (2020, January 29).The Lefaucheux M1858 was of a fairly basic design, with an open frame and a modified percussion lock system. “Why carry a six shot when you could carry a 20 shot?” – Casimir Lefaucheux, probably. Engraved, unfortunately, bronzing did not resist the wear of time. The folks at the Cody Firearms Museum are fantastic and I highly recommend checking them out! Revolver Lefaucheux system, for cartridges pinfire 9 mm, 6 shots, double action only, 120 mm long round barrel, mark Belgian ELG of before 1893 on the side of the barrel, punches of crowned controllers (before 1877). Made in Paris, the gun alternates firing from the outer and inner set of chambers which are aligned with the top and bottom barrels, respectively.” It’s a pocket pistol designed for personal defense and chambered in 7mm Pinfire. “This 20 shot revolver fire 7.65 mm pinfire cartridges from two barrels and a rather large cylinder. We recently came across an interesting revolver with a folding trigger that extends itself when the hammer is cocked. This photo is from Cody Firearms Facebook page and their caption is below: For today, we have a Pinfire revolver, but something is incredible about it: it is a 20 shot revolver! Absolutely overkill, but hey, back then it was about high capacity, too. If you are not familiar with Pinfire ammunition please take some time and check out our Curious Relics article going over what it really is. Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The first real stop-gap of cartridges as we know it was Pinfire. POTD: 20 Shot 7.65mm Lefaucheux Pinfire Revolver