DESCRIPTION: Scarce French Perrin M.1859 (1st type) revolver in all original condition. Caliber: 12 mm Perrin thick rim. There are several models of the Perrin revolver, all of them quite scarce. This model can be recognized by the characteristic double action only hammer. The revolver was manufactured by L. Perrin in Paris, as indicated by markings on the right side of the frame, "Perrin & Cie Bte", and on the left side of the frame, "Paris". The mechanism of the revolver is based on L. Perrin patents. These 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 the Civil War. The revolver has matching serial numbers (the external serial numbers are stamped on the left side of the frame, on the barrel and on the cylinder). Very high quality of machining and metal finish. The revolver has a very nice one piece dark walnut grip. 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. 5.75 inch long round barrel. Complete with the lanyard ring. CONDITION: Fine, with 75-80% 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 butt and trigger guard. There are some spots of light surface rust and/or peppering on the frame. Original dark walnut grip is in excellent condition, without any cracks. Very crisp action (the revolver was manufactured to fire in a double action only). The bore is in excellent condition with strong and shiny rifling. The cylinder chambers are in excellent condition, as well. Scarce, and very attractive French military revolver from the times of Franco-Prussian War! Antique. Serial# 6XX. (Ref.: "Les Revolvers Militaires Francais" by Henri Vuillemin, p.71, and in "Geschichte und Technik der europaischen Militarrevolver" by Rolf H. Muller, pp. 266-269, also in "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Handguns" by A.B. Zhuk, p.70/418).
