Pinfire Links

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.

Here’s a rare piece of Civil War history: the Model 1859 Perrin Revolver, a French design that competed directly with the renowned Lefaucheux revolvers of the era. Featuring one of the earliest centerfire cartridges—a 12mm metallic design—the Perrin introduced advanced technology for its time. Its double-action-only mechanism and innovative hidden ejector rod distinguished it from its contemporaries. Though only a limited number of these revolvers were imported during the Civil War, they highlight the ingenuity and competition among 19th-century French gunsmiths.

Here is a powerful glimpse into the American Civil War era: a Ruby Ambrotype photograph capturing a Union soldier with his trusted Lefaucheux Model 1854 pinfire revolver. The photograph, with its striking clarity and detail, is made using the Ruby Ambrotype process—a mid-19th century technique that used a thin red glass plate to enhance the contrast of the image. The Lefaucheux revolver he holds was a significant innovation of its time, combining reliability with rapid loading, which set it apart from other sidearms of the period.

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐔𝐒𝐀 & 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚⁣
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To go along with a few displays and presentations I’ll be doing on the topic, I’ve created a new monograph, 𝘜𝘚𝘈 & 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢. This book explores the impact of pinfire technology on American history, focusing on its crucial role in the Civil War, where pinfire revolvers and cartridges were widely used by Union forces. It highlights how these innovations shaped military strategy and battlefield efficiency.⁣
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The monograph also covers the post-war period, examining how pinfire shotguns and cartridges influenced American sporting arms and how this technology continued to play a role in firearm development.⁣
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Grab your copy today on Amazon! Link in the comments. Stay tuned for future releases on early Pauly guns, Casimir Lefaucheux’s contributions, and more.

Did you know that nearly 14,000 Lefaucheux Model 1854 pinfire revolvers were purchased by the Union during the American Civil War? These revolvers, like the one pictured here, were some of the first to use self-contained cartridges, making them faster to reload and more reliable than many older designs.

In 1862, units like the 2nd Kansas Cavalry were issued similar 12mm pinfire revolvers, imported from France to supply the Union Army with more modern firearms. While we don’t have detailed records for every cartridge or revolver, battlefield excavations and historical documents reveal that pinfire technology saw widespread use during the war. The box of cartridges next to this revolver adds another layer to the story, representing the type of ammunition that would have accompanied these weapons on the front lines.

I haven’t had any 15mm pinfire cartridges for sale for a long time and added some to the site today!

The Veteran Huntsman: Poised with Pinfire and Faithful Pair

In this classic portrait, an experienced huntsman is seated, exuding the composed confidence of one well-versed in the rituals of the hunt. His attire is traditional and functional, with a durable tweed jacket buttoned snugly over a vest, while his trousers and sturdy boots suggest an imminent journey outdoors. Clasped firmly in his grasp is a Lefaucheux pinfire shotgun, a fine example of the period’s innovative gunmaking, revealing the shooter’s preference for established quality and craftsmanship.

Flanking the gentleman are two golden retrievers, their intelligent eyes and calm stances indicating years of trust and companionship in the field. Their unwavering attention and readiness reflect a deep connection with their master, a relationship built upon mutual respect and shared experiences.

The plain studio setting places the focus squarely on the trio, highlighting the central figure’s role as the linchpin in this alliance. The simplicity of the background serves to draw out the rich textures of the man’s attire, the sleek lines of the shotgun, and the glossy coats of his canine partners, creating a tableau of serene confidence and preparedness.

Invented by Casimir Lefaucheux and patented in 1833, this early shotgun, bearing the serial number 3512, dates to after 1835, following Lefaucheux’s patent addition of the pinfire cartridge. Lefaucheux’s design introduced a breech-loading mechanism, a revolutionary departure from the muzzle-loading firearms that were standard at the time. The patent detailed a pinfire system, where the cartridge contained its own ignition source, allowing for quicker and more reliable firing.

The shotgun features finely engraved metalwork and a carefully crafted wooden stock, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its creation. The barrel inscription, "INVENTION LEFAUCHEUX," attests to its authenticity and historical importance. This model includes an elegant leaf-pattern engraving, reflecting Lefaucheux’s attention to both functionality and aesthetic detail. The action is controlled by an under-barrel lever that rotates sideways, a hallmark of Lefaucheux’s design, which allowed for easier reloading and improved the overall handling of the firearm.

The Lefaucheux Model 1854 revolver, bearing serial number LF 33320, belonged to John Lynn, a soldier in the 2nd Kansas Cavalry during the American Civil War. This revolver exemplifies significant firearm advancements with its pinfire mechanism. Preserved at The Lefaucheux Museum, it represents both technological progress and personal bravery of the era.

During the American Civil War, the demand for pinfire cartridges grew significantly, leading to the involvement of various American manufacturers. This box of 24 metallic cartridges for the Lefaucheux pistol, supplied by W.P. Wilstach & Co. of Philadelphia, showcases the vital role they played. Partnering with Allen & Wheelock, Wilstach helped ensure that the Union Army’s needs were met. This box represents a key piece of history, highlighting the contributions and challenges faced by suppliers during this critical period.