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!
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📢 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
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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!
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@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.
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I love these intricate Eley shotshell boxes!
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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…
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Merry Pinfire Christmas!
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📖 Les Aventures d’un Chasseur de Lions by Eugène Pertuiset, shown here alongside explosive pinfire cartridges designed by the inventor himself. Pertuiset’s autobiography tells the story of his daring adventures and innovations, blending the life of a hunter with that of a groundbreaking inventor.
💥 Missed last week’s full article on these fascinating cartridges? Check it out in the comments!
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🚨 New Blog Post Alert! 🚨
Explore the incredible story of Eugène Pertuiset’s explosive cartridges—how they revolutionized ammunition, shocked military trials, and even played a role in a dramatic assassination attempt. Learn about their devastating power and surprising history in our latest post!
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Discover how Eugène Pertuiset revolutionized 19th-century firearms with his innovative explosive bullets, influencing military technology and joining a global movement of inventors enhancing small arms ammunition.
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A superb American-made pinfire
John Krider: Philadelphia’s Renowned Gunsmith and Innovator
John Krider was a name well-known among 19th-century American sportsmen, particularly in Philadelphia, where his gun shop became a staple…
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This shotgun, crafted around 1834, captures the transitional ingenuity of Casimir Lefaucheux’s early designs. Its elegant form is more than ornamental; the engraved metalwork and polished walnut stock underscore the fusion of artistry and engineering typical of Lefaucheux’s guns. Originally built for early percussion cartridges, the firearm’s design reflects the clean lines and functionality of Lefaucheux’s 1833 breech-loading system.
The later conversion to the 1835 pinfire cartridge system adds another layer of innovation. The delicate scrollwork on the receiver and the rich checkering on the stock not only enhance its grip but also signal its bespoke craftsmanship. The copper-bottomed cartridges it once fired, praised for their gas-sealing ingenuity, were cutting-edge for their time—marrying efficiency with an undeniable aesthetic charm.
This piece, from its sophisticated engravings to its solid mechanical construction, tells the story of a pivotal moment in firearms history, where beauty and utility advanced hand in hand.