Item Description
Original item. Only One Available. This is a really fantastic and rare U.S. Civil War era British 9mm pinfire revolver, with a MASSIVE TWELVE ROUND CYLINDER! Apparently the solution to not having to reload as often was this, resulting in a very impressive (and heavy) revolver. It is in the less common 9mm Lefaucheux pinfire chambering, and we assume was originally double action, or double / single, however unfortunately it is currently non-functional. The trigger pulls and the cylinder rotates a bit, but there are missing and broken internal components, so this is being sold entirely for it's rarity and historical significance.
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. They were also used in some rifles, and were available in many sizes, including 15mm, 12mm, 9mm, 7mm, 5mm, and 2mm. 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.
The revolver has a 5 1/2" long barrel, and measures about 10 inches in overall length. Its overall shape is much more reminiscent of French / Belgian designs than the British, with the lack of a top strap and the characteristic "bag" shaped grip. However, it is definitely British made, with the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / BPC "proof" and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marking from the city of Birmingham, England on the bottom of the barrel. The cylinder is also marked by EVERY chamber with CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / V "viewed" marks. They are very small and need a magnifier to see, but the fact that every chamber is proofed alone is enough to know that this is a British revolver. The revolver is also marked with some assembly numbers as well as serial 196738 on the lower left side of the frame.
The most important marking by far however is what is on the top of the barrel strap:
D.C. HODGKINS & SONS. MACON, GA.
D.C. Hodgkins & Sons of Macon, Georgia, was a well-known firm during the pre-Civil War Era. They were a major Importer and Manufacturer of small arms, and were later taken over by the Georgia State government at the outbreak of war in 1861, after which it came to be known as the "Georgia State Arsenal ". Pinfire revolvers and cartridges were imported in large numbers by both sides during the Civil war, and with this connection is extremely likely that this revolver saw service in the Confederacy. Definitely some fantastic research potential here!
Overall condition shows an overall gray oxidized patina, giving it a fantastic aged look. In spite of the wear on the rest of the revolver, the checkered bag trips are still in great shape, and the lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip is still present. It still has a functional loading gate and ejector rod, and it's very possible that a highly motivated gunsmith may be able to fabricate the missing pieces in the action.
A fantastic historical gun from the Civil War era with a SOLID connection to the George State Arsenal, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1859
Caliber: 9mm Lefaucheux
Ammunition Type: Pinfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 10 inches
Barrel Length: 5 1/2 inches
Action: Non-Functional
Feed System: 12 Shot Revolver
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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