DESCRIPTION: Scarce French Perrin M.1865-69 Revolver. Caliber: 11 mm Perrin. There are several models of the Perrin revolver, all of them quite scarce. This model can be recognized by a single action hammer, and characteristic anchor-shape loading gate spring on the right side of the frame. M.1865-69 was a reinforced version of M.1865 Perrin revolver. The revolver was manufactured by L. Perrin in Paris, as indicated by markings on the left side of the frame, "Perrin & Cie B-te", and on the right side of the frame, "Paris". The upper part of the barrel displays wording, "Perrin B-te". The mechanism of the revolver is based on L. Perrin patents. Perrin revolvers were privately purchased by French army officers, and also were sold to the civilians. They have seen action during the Franco-Prussian War, some may have ended up in the United States, during, or shortly after the Civil War. The previous owner reported this this revolver was imported during the Civil War. However, considering the model designation, this seems to be highly unlikely. The revolver has matching serial numbers (the external serial numbers are stamped only on the barrel and on the cylinder). Very high quality of machining. The revolver has very nice dark walnut grips. These revolvers were manufactured either with polished steel finish, or with brown finish. This particular revolver has brown finish. The cylinder capacity is six rounds. 5.5 inch long round barrel. Complete with a lanyard ring (not original). Only about 1300 of revolvers of this type were ever manufactured! CONDITION: Fine, with about 82-85% of original brown finish remaining on metal. The balance is in white, mixed with brown patina. The finish has turned to uniform brown patina on the hilt. There are some spots of light surface rust and/or peppering on the frame, barrel and cylinder. Some spots of light pitting on the barrel. Metal also shows some small dings and handling marks. Original walnut grips are in fine condition, without any cracks, but with some minor handling marks. The revolver action needs, either a repair, or an adjustment. The revolver works fine in single action, but the cylinder does not turn every time the trigger is pulled. The bore is in fine condition with strong and shiny rifling. The cylinder chambers are in excellent condition. Scarce French military revolver from the times of Franco-Prussian War! Antique. Serial# 54XX. (Ref.: "Les Revolvers Militaires Francais" by Henri Vuillemin, p.77, and in "Geschichte und Technik der europaischen Militarrevolver" by Rolf H. Muller, pp. 272-273, also in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Handguns" by A.B. Zhuk, p.72/433).
