*French, c1860, Eugène Lefaucheux Model 1858 Revolver, Six-Shot Pin Fire Revolver, Obsolete Calibre*
Serial number “178148” and on other side of the receiver “SY”
Marked on chamber and underneath the barrel – Crown over EL – this is the trademark of Eugène Lefaucheux’s Liège factory, which was based in Liège quai de Fragnée 13 from 1866 to 1872.
Marked underneath GM
Proofed under barrel:
28.5cm long, 12.5cm barel
Six-shot pin fire revolver, rifled barrel, fitted ejector rod and chequered walnut split grips. Bears the trademark of Eugène Lefaucheux’s Liège factory on the barrel. Usually, the “military” or “cavalry” model has the spur trigger guard and the “diamond” whilst the “civilian” model has a round trigger guard and a flat, little convex butt.
The Lefaucheux M1858, a pinfire double-action revolver, served as France’s primary service revolver from 1858 to 1865, marking the first use of metallic cartridges by any national government. Its design, featuring an open frame and a modified percussion lock system, enabled the use of pinfire cartridges, with enhancements to the hammer for striking efficiency.
Loaded through a rear cylinder gate, cartridges were inserted individually, with an extractor rod aiding in ejection. Chambered for a 12mm bullet, the Lefaucheux M1858 utilized a pinfire primer and black powder charge, aligning with firearms of the period. Patented by Casimir Lefaucheux in 1835, the pinfire cartridge, designed by his son Eugene, gained widespread adoption in Europe, finding favor with some militaries and police forces.
While not adopted by the French Army, it became the primary revolver for the French Navy and saw use by the French Cavalry in Mexico in 1862. Additionally, it was sold to various countries, including those involved in the American Civil War. During the conflict, Union forces purchased 12,000 Lefaucheux revolvers, primarily issued to cavalry units. However, competition from Colt and Remington models led to its eventual replacement.
The Lefaucheux was the revolver used by Vincent Van Gogh to kill himself.
*Condition*
This is in excellent condition and cocks and dry-fires. The gun shows age related wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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