Bidspirit auction | Engraved Belgian Pinfire 7mm Revolver

Engraved Belgian Pinfire 7mm Revolver c.1800's - Unusual highly embellished and factory engraved 7 mm pinfire revolver, circa 1860-1880. Size: 7”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com The pinfire system of ignition was invented and designed in Europe as one of the first successful self contained cartridges. In this round of ammunition, an extended ”pin” protruding from the base of the cartridge case. The hammer strike on this pin would drive it into the cartridge to detonate a priming compound within the black powder charge to fire the lead bullet. Although somewhat slow to load, as each cartridge had to be aligned in the cylinder to expose the pin, the system worked quite well. Many of these revolvers were imported into the United States during and after the Civil War. Nearly all were manufactured in France and Belgium. It is interesting to note that President Theodore Roosevelt’s first shotgun, given to him as a boy, was chambered for pinfire shotshells. Most pinfire revolvers were plain, unadorned weapons of small size. This example with 3 3/8” barrel and six shot cylinder is very unusual in that it has lovely floral engraving on the cylinder, rear of the barrel, frame, back strap and trigger guard. The grips are also unusual because they are made from a rich brown gutta percha material with attractive high relief carving. Gutta percha was made from the resin of trees grown in Malaysia. It became a favorite material for revolver grips. Both grip panels on this handgun are in excellent condition. ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.