Belgian Lefaucheux System Pocket Revolver Obsolete Revolver

Antique Belgian 5mm Pinfire Pocket Revolver – Hexagonal Barrel (WWI Somme Family Provenance)

Unbeatable Documented WWI History & Local ProvenanceThis pistol was carried as a personal trench backup weapon by my grandfather, Thomas Brown, a remarkably tough ex-soldier who later became a celebrated local figure in West Lothian. Formally dubbed the "Sage of the Woods" by the local press for his incredible fitness and grit, Thomas famously cycled from his home in Torphichen up to his work at Beecraigs daily for 40 years, continuing well into his 70s.Thomas ..(or TAM as he was known as ) brought this pocket revolver back around 1916 from his service on the Western Front during the Battle of the Somme. It has remained tucked away safely in a dark drawer within our family for the last 60 years, entirely untouched.Photographic Proof Included: The listing images include a digital copy of the original wartime photograph of Thomas with his unit. He is clearly identified as the third man from the left in the front row.

This is a highly authentic, original nineteenth-century Belgian 5mm Pinfire Pocket Revolver. Manufactured in the world-famous firearms workshops of Liège, Belgium, circa 1870s, this piece carries a wonderful piece of family history. It was brought back by my grandfather around 1916 during his service on the Western Front at the Battle of the Somme. It was incredibly common for WWI soldiers to carry these small, privately owned family "vest-pocket" pistols as deeply personal backup weapons in the trenches. It has been safely tucked away in a dark drawer within the same family for the last 60 years, remaining completely untouched.Dimensions & Compact DesignThis is a beautifully compact personal defense weapon [1] with the following exact dimensions:Overall Length: 4.5 inchesHexagonal Barrel: 1.75 inches (six-sided)Cylinder Length: 0.75 inchesCalibre: 5mm PinfireThe gunmetal remains remarkably clean for its age, showing a nice historic grey patina with minimal surface wear and no deep pitting. The original wooden grip scales are entirely intact, securely fitted to the frame, and free from any major cracks or splits.Lockwork & Mechanical StatusThe internal lockwork operates in Double-Action-Only (DAO) mode. When the folding trigger is pulled, it smoothly lifts the hammer against strong spring resistance and drops it cleanly, resetting perfectly upon release.Mechanical Note: The cylinder moves freely with a slight back-and-forth rotational play on its central axis. The right-hand extractor rod is currently seized in its guide housing alongside the cylinder, which acts as a temporary brake stopping the cylinder from revolving fully. To preserve the historical integrity for the buyer, this has been left completely untouched in its "as-found" state. It represents a very straightforward, rewarding project to free up with a patient soaking of penetrating oil.Markings & Complete OriginalityThis revolver features incredibly crisp, clear, and highly readable workshop stamps:Assembly Markings: Stamped with matching workshop assembly number 56 on the hammer, proving its total originality.Patent & Batch Numbers: Features tracking stamps showing PAT 6254, batch sequence number 2621, and assembly layouts 13, 14, and 16.Loading Gate: The original right-hand side loading flap retains excellent spring tension and snaps shut with a very secure click.Legal Status, Post Only & Payment TermsThis firearm utilizes an obsolete pinfire ignition system and is fully compliant with Section 58(2) of the United Kingdom Firearms Act. It is classified strictly as an Antique Curiosity or Ornament. It is 100% legal to own, buy, and sell in the UK without any licence, gun permit, or police paperwork.Strictly Post Only: For security, this item is available for insured postal delivery only. There is absolutely no in-person collection or face-to-face handover available.Shipping Method: The pistol will be packaged securely in a plain, heavily padded, anonymous box and shipped via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm (fully tracked, legal, and insured courier route for Section 58(2) antiques).Payment: Bank Transfer (BACS) preferred. No PayPal payments can be accepted due to strict platform weapon restrictions.Age Restriction: Sale is strictly restricted to adults aged 18 or over.A magnificent, investment-grade Victorian pocket revolver with unbeatable trench-art provenance and fantastic mechanical potential.Please note that the end of the barrel is currently blocked off, which is very typical for a First World War battlefield souvenir, please see the close-up photos for details.Sorry about the blurring a bit ...my camera on my phone aint great but you can see it is blocked at end of barrel. Also see last three photos showing DOG with Pointed nose and long tail type hammer and firing pin.