DESCRIPTION: Very interesting small-frame Revolver, similar in design to Spirlet, but without any self-extracting system. Caliber: .320 CF. Push button in front of the trigger guard allows to open the revolver up for loading and unloading. This is a variant with a folding trigger, a typical feature of many pocket revolvers of the period. The left side of the barrel is marked, "F. Martin & Cie Brevete". The right side of the barrel is marked, "Acier Fondu". Left side of the frame displays Belgian "Crowned Rampant Lion", and right side shows, "Two Crossed Sabers" and "BF". Liege House proofs are stamped on the cylinder. Fixed front and rear sights. CONDITION: Fine. 60% of blue mixed with patina is still on the metal. Balance is in white metal (mostly on the frame and around the grip - typical wear from handling). Strong action. Excellent bore with strong and shiny rifling. The cylinder chambers are also in excellent condition. All the markings and numbers are clearly visible on the metal. All the internal parts of the revolver are in fine condition, with no visible wear. Hardwood grips with diamond checkering show couple of handling marks, but overall they are in fine condition. Barrel length: 3.5 inch. All complete and in original condition. Very scarce Martin revolver! Antique. Serial# 15XX. (Ref.: "The Revolver 1865-1888" by A.W.F. Taylerson, p.151 and p. 226, also in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Handguns" by A.B. Zhuk, p.53/301).
