DESCRIPTION: Very scarce French Lefaucheux Model 1854 Pinfire revolver with Le Page markings on the barrel. Caliber: 12 mm pinfire. Large frame, single action revolver from the time of the Civil War. This is a very early production revolver with a three digit serial number. The early production Model 1854 revolvers have more elegant and graceful lines than the later revolvers of this pattern. The revolver displays typical early production characteristics: shorter grip with diamond shaped butt, without the lanyard ring; early style slim frame; early style markings; early style hammer and early style loading gate. Some revolvers of this pattern were sold commercially by several retailers before and during the Civil War. Correct, for the Civil War era import, style of the finger rest spur on the rear of the trigger guard (reportedly used by US cavalry during the Civil War). The serial number is lower than the range of numbers of the revolvers imported to the USA during the Civil War (25,000-37,000). The revolver is marked on the right side of the frame with a Lefaucheux mark, "Break Open Pistol over LF". The revolver has 160 mm part-round, part-octagonal barrel, which is not as common as the later production 158 mm barrel. The upper part of the barrel displays retailer's markings, "Le Page Freres 12 Rue D'Enghien A Paris". The barrel displays some floral style engraving. Open top design. Six-chamber cylinder. Fixed front sight. Hardwood grips. CONDITION: Fine. About 90% of original finish is still on metal. The balance is is in white, mixed with some brownish patina. Scattered spots of light patina on the barrel. Bore is in excellent condition with strong and shiny rifling. Chambers are also in excellent condition. Strong action. The loading gate is broken off (please, see pictures). Hardwood grips are in fine condition, with some handling marks and light dings. No cracks in wood. All the serial numbers and markings are clearly visible on the metal. Very attractive Le Page retailed Lefaucheux revolver! Antique. Serial# 7XX (Ref.: "Systeme Lefaucheux" by Chris C. Curtis, pp.38-44, "An Introduction to Civil War Small Arms" by Earl J. Coates and Dean S. Thomas, p. 59 and "Military Handguns of France" by Eugene Medlin and Jean Huon., pp.4 -15, also in "Les Revolvers Militaires Francais" by Henri Vuillemin, pp.37 - 45).
