This gorgeous and unusual revolver is inscribed "E. Lefaucheux Bte a Paris" indicating the revolver was manufactured by Eugene Lefaucheux, son of Casimir Lefaucheux, the inventor of the pinfire cartridge in 1836. Like many continental European firearms, it was left in the white. The breech end of the barrel, outer chambers on the cylinder, ejector arm, and frame all have detailed rococo style scrollwork engraving. The left side of the barrel lug has the broke open pistol over "LF" Lefaucheux trademark followed by "1194." The assembly marking "16 G" is on the side of the grip frame (also a "P" on the front strap), rear of the barrel lug, back of the cylinder, back of the folding trigger, and edge of the loading gate, and the recoil shield and backside of the ejector arm also have "16." The grips have "16 g" (both) and "G Hetz" (right) in pencil. A "1" is stamped on the front of the barrel lug by the tip of the cylinder pin. The grips are smooth walnut, and a lanyard stud and ring are fitted to the butt. The Lefaucheux cartridges, handguns, and long guns were important steps in the evolution of modern metallic cartridges. This revolver design is one of several mid-19th century attempts at high capacity handguns.

Very fine. The crisp revolver remains mostly bright and has light patination and spotting. The grips are excellent and display strong, original varnish finish and a few small dings. There are generally light handling and storage marks on the metal and wood. The action functions fine, and the engraving and markings are distinct.