Original Belgian 11mm Pinfire Double Action Revolver Retailed by Eduard Unschuld in Pest, Hungary – Circa 1855 Original Items

Original item. Only One Available. This is a matured example of a Belgian Pinfire revolver, made very much in the French style. It looks to be in 11mm Lefaucheux pinfire chambering, double / single action with a 6 round cylinder. The cylinder bears a clear E / L G / * in an Oval marking, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. There are also CROWN / U proof marks on the barrel and cylinder, which would be for one of the Belgian sub-inspectors. A CROWN / EL / 68 is also on the side of the cylinder, a marking we have not seen before.

The top of the barrel is marked with UNSCHULD EUE PESTEN, inlaid in what looks to be silver, which a customer informed us indicates that it was retailed by Eduard Unschuld in Pest, Hungary, a known trader in the 1860s. Definitely some great research potential here!

The Pinfire system was the earliest form of “Cartridge” developed with a pin projecting out at 90 degrees to the cartridge case. When depressed by the falling hammer the cartridge discharged. At the time up against muzzle loading Revolvers these were revolutionary. Like most things by the end of the Civil War technology had moved on and in the late 1860’s regular type cartridges as we know them today had been introduced.

This example follows the standard French style, with a 6 1/4 inch long barrel, and overall length of approximately 11 inches.  It looks to be a utilitarian example, as we cannot see any engraving or other adornments. It has a standard style trigger guard and trigger, functioning in both double action only. The entire surface shows a polished steel patina, with some evidence of past oxidation, so it is possible that it originally had more markings, some of which were removed.

The wooden grips on this revolver are very nice, looking to have worn down over the years, and were refinished at some point. Like most we see, there is a lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip, which is still fully intact and functional.

Functionally, the revolver cycles well, with accurate indexing and a smooth dry fire. It looks like it may originally have been capable of single action operation, however the hammer does not hold in the cocked position when pulled back by hand.

 The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There are areas of oxidation and fouling, so it definitely did see some level of use during its service life. The brass ejector rod is present and works great, with a tensioning spring to keep it in place, and the loading gate works as well, with a functional spring latch.

A lovely matured Belgian pinfire revolver retailed in Hungary, with some great research potential. In lovely condition and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1855
Caliber: 11mm Lefaucheux
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 11 inches
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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