Pinfire Links
Your definitive source for all things pinfire! Dive deep into the fascinating world of antique firearms and ammunition with us. From detailed articles about the history and intricacies of pinfire guns to reliable sources where you can acquire these vintage beauties and their ammo. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding enthusiast, or just curious about the world of antique firearms, out sites have something to ignite your interest. Load up on knowledge and let your passion for vintage armory fire away!
Pinfire
New on the Lefaucheux Museum website: A detailed look at the earliest known printed reference to the pinfire cartridge, published in L’Institut on March 25, 1835. The article examines Casimir Lefaucheux’s 1835 patent, his presentation to the Société d’Encouragement, and how these documents mark the beginning of self-contained ammunition. Includes original images from the museum’s archive.
Pinfire
This is a 4 gauge pinfire shotshell made for use in a large punt gun, headstamped by E. M. Reilly & Co. of London. These extremely large cartridges were typically used for commercial waterfowling and fired from heavy, boat-mounted shotguns designed to take down large numbers of birds in a single shot. A rare example from a prominent 19th century British gunmaker.
Pinfire
Just added some great full boxes of pinfire cartridges to the website, including examples by Gévelot, Fusnot, Houllier-Blanchard, and Fiocchi. If you’re looking to add a strong example to your collection, check them out!
Pinfire
📜 I recently picked up an official ICI Metals letter from July 8, 1941 that confirms what may be some of the last commercial British pinfire cartridges ever offered. Wartime priorities meant no more 10 or 12 gauge pinfire shells would be produced, and only a small leftover supply of 16 gauge remained. A rare glimpse into the end of an era for British pinfire ammunition—right from the heart of Kynoch Works, Birmingham. 💥
Pinfire
🔍 Deciphering the Past with AI 📜
A lot of the research I share here involves working with original source material—often handwritten, in French, and centuries old. Translating and transcribing these documents has always been a challenge, requiring hours of work or expensive expert help.
So, I built a tool to help me process these documents faster. But as I was developing it, I realized this wasn’t just my problem—collectors, researchers, and archives worldwide struggle with the same thing.
That’s why I’m sharing my journey from historical document collector to AI-powered problem solver. If you’ve ever worked with old manuscripts, patents, or letters, this could change how you approach historical research.
📖 Read the full story here: aaronnewcomer.com/from-collector-to-founder-how-my-passion-for-historical-documents-led-to-an-ai-startup/
Would love to hear from other collectors and researchers—what’s the hardest document you’ve ever had to transcribe or translate? Drop a comment below! ⬇️
#History #AI #ArchivalResearch #Transcription #Translation #HistoricalDocuments #Pinfire
From Collector to Founder: Using AI to Unlock Historical Documents
Deciphering historical documents has always been a challenge—old handwriting, foreign languages, and scattered archives make it difficult to access the past. This article explores my journey from collector to founder, and how AI is transforming the way we transcribe, translate, and preserve histor…
Pinfire
📢 SLICS 2025 is almost here! Join us April 16-19 for the world’s biggest cartridge show. Don’t miss Thursday’s book signings, including Aaron Newcomer’s USA & PINFIRE: The Untold Story of Pinfire in America—free with any donation to The Lefaucheux Museum! See you there! 🔥📖 #SLICS2025 #Pinfire #CartridgeCollecting
Pinfire
Did you know that before clay pigeons, people used to shoot glass balls for target practice? These delicate spheres, often filled with feathers or powder, added a thrilling challenge to shooting competitions in the late 1800s. Imagine the skill it took to shatter these fragile targets mid-air! 🎯
Check out this incredible salesman sample set of 3 target balls made by Pilkington Brothers, a renowned glassmaker from the UK with a rich history dating back to 1826! These miniature glass balls offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of vintage target shooting. Pilkington was known for its high-quality glass, and these samples showcase their craftsmanship. Each ball is a tiny work of art, hand-blown into molds. They’re a unique piece of history for anyone interested in the evolution of shooting sports!
Pinfire
@followers Discover the fascinating story behind the birth of British pinfire cartridges! Learn how Eley Brothers revolutionized ammunition with their groundbreaking innovations in the 1860s, shaping the future of breechloading firearms.
Pinfire
I love these intricate Eley shotshell boxes!
Pinfire
The newest article posted on the museum website takes a look at one of the earliest pinfire shotguns!
Alexandre Dumas championed the Lefaucheux breech-loading firearm, showcasing its innovative design across Europe. His travel writings detailed personal demonstrations, illustrating technical advantages and garnering interest from marksmen. Collaborating with gunsmith Louis-François Devisme, Dumas’s endorsements significantly impacted firearms history, blending artistry and practicality in gunmaking innovation….
The Novelist’s Gun: Alexandre Dumas and the Innovative Lefaucheux
Alexandre Dumas championed the Lefaucheux breech-loading firearm, showcasing its innovative design across Europe. His travel writings detailed personal demonstrations, illustrating technical advant…