GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
THE EVOLUTION OF THE LEFAUCHEUX MODEL 1854 REVOLVER. LEFAUCHEUX 1854 344/1071/1822/7584/66559/66673/111070 12MM This group of 8 revolvers illustrates the evolution in thought and manufacturing process. When Eugene Lefaucheux inherited his father Casimir's business, he also inherited his inventive genius and keen business sense. Introduced in the spring of 1854, this revolver was the most advanced handgun in the world. Heavy frame, large cal., it was much easier to load and fire, requiring far less time and training to become proficient in its use. Even better, it used the revolutionary new, self-contained internally primed waterproof metallic cartridge. This collection of 8 revolvers starts with SN 334 which is a very early example and likely a prototype by Eugene Lefaucheux to hopefully interest the military. It has several features that are not found on later revolvers, SN and logo are on the opposite side of the frame, full rnd bbl, the grip style is similar to flintlock and percussion pistols. Even the parts numbering system is of the production style of his father who died in 1852 before Eugene started perfecting his system. SN 1071 has features identical to the first patent application drawing and this exact gun is pictured on pg 40 of Systeme Lefaucheux, SN 1822 has all the early features of the patent drawing, however in special order 9mm and is the only early feature revolver studied thus far in that cal. The retailer "LEPAGE" is marked on bbl. SN 7587 has the mixed features of the rnd "navy" style trigger guard and the fluted "cavalry" style buttcap. Lefaucheux was always open to the idea of special orders for a few extra francs. SN 66559 exhibits two special order features, full oct bbl and 9mm cal., extremely rare in this cal. This particular gun was liberated by an American WWII GI who tastefully has engraved his name, unit and travels on the bbl. This engraved example is a very interest piece with a secondary history. SN 66673, short bbl and rnd trigger guard, this style was favored by French Foreign Legion officers, this exact gun pictured on pg 82 Systeme LeFaucheux . SN 111,070 among the last revolvers made with rnd trigger guard and oval buttcap of the "navy" style models. This exact revolver pictured on pg 43. The last gun in our grouping has no SN, though all major parts have matching assembly numbers including the grips. This gun was probably "lunch boxed" out after the final phase of the assembly. This grouping is accompanied by a signed copy of Chris Curtis' book where several of these guns are pictured. PROVENANCE: Ex-Chris Curtis Collection. CONDITION: Guns overall are very good to excellent with SN 66559 the best retaining most of its orig finish and extremely fine overall. SN 66673 is the only factory engraved gun in this grouping, has strong traces of finish, is crisp and has the most unusual embellishment by an American GI as can be seen in photos. all guns appear orig, complete and functioning, though SN 344 does not index, it does cock. 50269-1 JS (15,000-20,000)