Lefaucheux system saber-revolver
This 7mm
pinfire revolver sword has no maker markings but is possibly German, circa
1860-1870. It has a 17.5" single fuller blade. The hilt incorporates a six-shot,
double-action, revolver with a 3.25" barrel. A loading gate pivots downwards to
expose the cylinder chamber. The guard and pommel are floral engraved German
silver. A single screw secures the chequered walnut scales. The overall length
of the sabre-revolver is 25".
At the
Paris Universal Exhibition of 1867 at least thirty different types of sword
revolvers were on display. Combining the advanced pinfire cartridge with the
traditional sword was a temptation that few arms makers could resist. Further
information about these pinfire sabre-swords can be found in H. Gordon Frost
book “Blades & Barrels” and in Chris Curtis book "The Pinfire System".
Dr Hugo
