Lefaucheux pinfire revolver

[saab-bob]

Hello Gents
Thought I would share this find.
I was digging around in old family stuff and came up with this pinfire revolver. Family history is that it has been a heirloom for over 120 years, probably longer. Pretty good shape. Mechanically excellent.Nickle plate looks original. I have seen only 1 other pistol exactly like it.Came with all the ammo. I notice the ammunition boxes are warranted.Think Remington will replace any misfires? The ejector rod is missing,anyone have a spare???????
Bob

[sheepherder]

Kewl!!!

So is a pinfire like a rimfire that will fire anywhere on the case???

[rhuff]

Originally Posted by postino

Kewl!!!

So is a pinfire like a rimfire that will fire anywhere on the case???

I believe that it will only fire if the pin is struck.....so the cartridges have to be placed correctly into the cylinder.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by rhuff

I believe that it will only fire if the pin is struck.....so the cartridges have to be placed correctly into the cylinder.

Oh, I see...The pin sticks out from the side of the cartridge...That would explain the wrap-around hammer...

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by saab-bob

The ejector rod is missing,anyone have a spare???????
Bob

I can't find an exact match for your 9mm Lefaucheux, but the 11mm and 12mm revolvers seem to have a very simple rod, with a flared head...I don't even see any way it is held in place...

Trying to match your nickle finish will be...fairly easy...If you turn down a stainless steel bolt, available at any Ace Hardware...

[saab-bob]

Thanks Gents
Yes,a pinfire cartridge is one of the first self-contained cartridge weapons made.Invented in 1823. A small pin sticks out the side of the shell and is struck by the hammer. This ignites the primer charge and fires the bullet. Used mostly in Europe.Many where used in the "War of Southern Secession"AKA Civil War. I do not believe any where made in the USA. They where replaced by the safer rimfire and centerfire cartridges. Apparently, if handled roughly the pin will move and light off the charge!
I read a article where where a collector dropped a few rounds on the living room rug and didn't find them all. His wife was later vacuuming and sucked one up.It went off and blew thru the vacuum. I bet that guy had to sleep on the couch for a extended period of time!!!
Postino
A stainless nail is a good idea. I have also wondered how the rod is held on. There is a screw that holds a piece of spring steel to the side of frame where the ejector rod is. Screw is to tight to get off without distorting something.If anybody has any thoughts let me know!
Fun to think who has held this old pistol.
Bob

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by saab-bob

Many where used in the "War of Southern Secession"...

"War of Northern Aggression" as it is known in the Deep South...

A stainless nail is a good idea.

I don't think any nails are that big...but Ace has lots of SS bolts, that's where I get most of mine from...

Maybe that spring steel is a friction clamp??? Might not be anything else holding the rod in place...

[saab-bob]

Maybe that spring steel is a friction clamp??? Might not be anything else holding the rod in place...

Don't know,nothing seems to protrude to hold the rod in place. Perhaps there is a hook on the end of the spring that is broken?
Bob

[ithacaartist]

Originally Posted by saab-bob

Hello Gents
Thought I would share this find.
I was digging around in old family stuff and came up with this pinfire revolver. Family history is that it has been a heirloom for over 120 years, probably longer.
Bob

Bob,

I think I was born into the wrong family!

David

[mrerick]

No... just 100 years or so too late (at least for Luger and M1911 interests)...

I symbolically should kick myself for not having taken advantage of DCM offerings in the 1960s and 1970s.

Of course... we might be of just exactly the right era and born of the right family! Time will tell.


Marc

[Douglas Jr.]

Bob,

Interesting piun fire revolver. These guns were made in France (originally), Belgium, Germany and Spain (probably elsewhere), by hundreds of manufacturers. These guns were still used in some places during the early years of the 20th Century. They made from vest pocket to large frame guns in several calibers.

If you find any proof or inscription on your revolver, we may be able to tell you at least its nationality.

Regards,
Douglas

[saab-bob]

Douglas
The only proof? mark, I can find is on the right side of the frame,below the front of the cylinder. It is a circle with 2 capital J's in it. A few numbers are stamped seemingly randomly under the grips and very small stamps on each cylinder chamber.Would be fun to know the guns origin.
Will try to get a close up pic.Today I just had a eye injection and my focus is not so good!

As far as my family is concerned.I come from a long line of collectors,hoarders and pack rats. I try not to be that way,but it must be in the blood! My lovely wife is constantly questioning this behavior,I just tell her its genetics!
Thanks for the help!

Bob