Belgian Constabulary Pin Fire Revolver circa 1860 11 mm Revolver

This is an excellent and substantial pin fire 11 mm revolver manufactured circa 1860 with Liege proofs.

Generically called “Constabulary revolvers” this was a sizeable revolver that would not have been carried by civilians. There is provision for a lanyard ring which indicates this.
A pinfire cartridge is an obsolete type of metallic firearm cartridge in which the priming compound is ignited by striking a small pin which protrudes radially from just above the base of the cartridge. Invented by Frenchman Casimir Lefaucheux in the 1830s but not patented until 1835, it was one of the earliest practical designs of a metallic cartridge. Its history is closely associated with the development of the breech loader which replaced muzzle-loading weapons.
Pinfire became obsolete once reliable rimfire and centre fire cartridges became available because without a pin which needed aligning in the slot in the chamber wall they were quicker to load. They were also safer because they had no protruding pin which could cause the ammunition to accidentally detonate during rough handling, particularly of loose ammunition.
Many of these revolvers were sold to the military and were popular amongst Confederate Officers during the American Civil War.
This particular revolver exhibits Liege proofs which was a significantly higher proof test than the English test at the time. The revolver has most of its nickel plating remaining with good ebony grips and the loading gate is extant which is often missing. The revolver has a clean bore and is mechanically perfect.
The manufacturer is researchable and I will determine the manufacturer shortly but thought I would advertise it to meet Christmas postage.
A substantial and interesting revolver.


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