first antique - 7mm pinfire revolver

[winterthorpe]

I just acquired my first antique. Don't know much about it, it's a possibly German made, probably 1860s vintage, 7mm pinfire, 6 shot revolver. I do know that I'm looking forward to firing it.

 

[Tyockell18]

Pretty little pin fire you got there, how is the timing and lock up on it, looks to be used very little.

 

[winterthorpe]

Pretty little pin fire you got there, how is the timing and lock up on it, looks to be used very little.

I haven't tried live ammo in it yet, but it feels solid. When the hammer is cocked, the cylinder locks in position. Trigger pull is short and smooth, hammer drops nicely. It's a bit worn, has definitely been used, but not beat up.

 

[Tyockell18]

That's good, always nice when you get your hands on a mechanically sound antique, looks like the previous owners all decided to take good care of her, lucky you!.

One of these days I'm going to get myself a pin fire as well, they are still affordable and HC collections in France supplies everything for reloading these guys.

Careful, your going to be hooked now, it never stops after that.

One other thing, any proof marks on the cylinder faces anywhere or on the side of the frame?

 

[Skinny 1950]

Looks almost identical to a Belgian pinfire that I have except yours in about a thousand times better finish and condition. the case is very nice.
If that is original ammo and it were mine I would not shoot it, it is Unobtainium, get a reloading setup and shoot away.
Mine has the Belgian E over L-G proof on the cylinder.
It is possible that the Belgian guns were knock-offs of the German design, will have to check into that.

 

[winterthorpe]

It's hard to get a good picture, but the cylinder has this mark on it. I was told by the seller that it is a U with a crown above, although it doesn't really look like a crown to me.

 

[Tyockell18]

Yes that appears to be a German Crown over U proof mark. If my knowledge is correct, it came into official use in 1891. So a German proofed gun, still possibly made elsewhere I suppose. Crown over U used from 1891 to late 1930's sometime.

 

[mooncoon]

It certainly is in spectacularly good condition; very pretty

cheers mooncoon

 

[Ol' Smokey]

Nice!

It almost looks steampunk!

 

[Tyockell18]

It certainly is in spectacularly good condition; very pretty

cheers mooncoon

Isn't it though, I don't think he quite realizes just how nice it is for a gun so old with engraving "no offense at all intended by the way". I'd love to own that gun.

 

[NorthCoastBigBore]

That is a beauty there OP. Love the engraving and inlays, especially how detailed the engraving is.