This is one of the versions of the M1858 Lefaucheux six shot revolver carbine.
A number of designs were produced for both the civilian and military market.
The Lefaucheux M1858 was a French military revolver, chambered for the 12 mm pinfire cartridge, based on a design by Casimir Lefaucheux. It was the first metallic-cartridge revolver adopted by a national government.
It was first fielded in 1858 by the French Navy, and though never issued by the French Army, it was used in limited numbers by the French Cavalry during their 1862 deployment to Mexico. Models were also purchased by Spain, Sweden, Italy, Russia, and Norway. Along with those countries, both the U.S. Confederate and Federal forces also used them in the American Civil War.
Our piece is a .45 calibre with a 15 ½ inches barrel fitted with an adjustable rear sight (up to 200 meters/yards) and a fixed front sight.
The frame is serial numbered ‘LF 1046’, making it one of the early ones manufactured.
The mechanism seems to be a single action but because it is faulty it is hard to say. We were unable to see a return spring though.
The left side of the frame is serial numbered 120.
Due to its age and the amount of pitting developed it is impossible to read the markings on the top of the barrel.
The cylinder is marked inside ‘62M’ which may indicate the maximum loading grainage allowed, as the cartridges used were reusable.
The rounds are loaded into the cylinder by a trapdoor fitted on the right side.
The barrel is rifled.
The wooden grip is a modern replacement as it is its metal end butt plate.
~ Dimensions ~
The barrel is 15 ½ inches (39.4 cm) and the overall length of the piece is 21 inches (54.6 cm).
It weighs 1.38 Kg.
~ Condition ~
The mechanism requires attention. It partially cocks and releases. Most probably a spring has to be replaced.
The metalwork is pitted, as seen in the pictures.
The grip is a modern replacement and the metal butt stock is not present.
The bore and the rifling are excellent.
ref. GS719FCB4 / PQDH0NESAPR4L
