DESCRIPTION: Scarce short barrel variant of the French Lefaucheux Model 1858 Pinfire revolver. Caliber: 12 mm pinfire. Large frame, single action revolver. The serial number is above the range of numbers of the revolvers imported to the USA during the Civil War (25,000-37,000). Some revolvers of this pattern were also sold commercially by several retailers before and during the Civil War. This model follows the lines of the civilian version of the French M.1858 revolver (it is also similar to M.1854 Foreign Legion Type). The trigger guard was manufactured without the finger rest spur. New, "flat" style of the grip butt. Interesting oval maker mark on the left side of the frame, just below the cylinder, "Invent. E. Lefaucheux Brevete SGDG (Paris)". The revolver is marked on the right side of the frame with a Lefaucheux mark, "Break Open Pistol over LF". The upper part of the barrel displays retailer markings, "Zaoué, Marseille". George Zaoué was the arms manufacturer and retailer in Marseilles, France from 1841 to approximately 1861. The right side of the barrel housing displays an unidentified mark (please, see pictures). The same mark is also stamped on the front part of the cylinder. The revolver has 121 mm round barrel, which is not as common as standard 158 mm round barrel. The revolver is in all original condition. Open top design. Six-chamber cylinder. Fixed front sight. Hardwood grips. Complete with a lanyard ring. CONDITION: Fine. About 55% of original finish is still on metal. The balance is is in white, mixed with some brown/gray patina. Bore is in fine condition. Chambers are in excellent condition. Strong action. Hardwood grips are in low fine condition, with some handling marks, dings and light scratches. No cracks in wood. All the serial numbers and markings are clearly visible on the metal. Lefaucheux Model 1858 revolver with scarce, 121 mm long barrel! Antique. Serial# 459XX (Ref.: "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).
