Lefaucheux Model 1854

[Old Ranger]

I picked this one up today. I believe it's a model 1854 but if someone could confirm that I would appreciate it. It's missing the ejector rod and front sight, but I thought it was still a nice piece. Serial number is pretty low, 3278. Only other marking is on barrel, but all I can make out is Lefaucheux.

 

[Aaron]

It is indeed a Lefaucheux model 1854 made in late 1857

 

[Patrick H]

The young man in my avatar (my grandfather's much older brother) is shown posing with one.

 

[bayonet]

Apparently Schuyler purchased 10,000 in Paris serial #s 25,000-37,000 and sold them to the Union. Later some Companies brought smaller amounts. Your serial # maybe too low for ACW usage. Then again maybe not! What did you pay for it?

 

[Old Ranger]

I paid $390 for it from an estate in Bedford, Virginia. If anything it was probably a private purchase I would imagine, not issued.

 

[Will Carry]

How does it feel in the hand? Does it point well?

 

[Old Ranger]

How does it feel in the hand? Does it point well?

The grip is a little small (my little finger partway off the bottom), and I don't like the spur trigger guard ( helps stabilize it but digs into my finger). It is well balanced and points well.

 

[Old Ranger]

Apparently Schuyler purchased 10,000 in Paris serial #s 25,000-37,000 and sold them to the Union. Later some Companies brought smaller amounts. Your serial # maybe too low for ACW usage. Then again maybe not! What did you pay for it?

$390

 

[Aaron]

The young man in my avatar (my grandfather's much older brother) is shown posing with one.

View attachment 576322

@Patrick H do you notice the difference between yours and the one that @Old Ranger posted?

 

[bayonet]

I paid $390 for it from an estate in Bedford, Virginia. If anything it was probably a private purchase I would imagine, not issued.

Not bad I guess. Side eyeing them at auctions they run around $500-700 or more. Now try and find a ramrod for it.

 

[Old Ranger]

Not bad I guess. Side eyeing them at auctions they run around $500-700 or more. Now try and find a ramrod for it.

The thrill of the hunt!

 

[Patrick H]

@Patrick H do you notice the difference between yours and the one that @Old Ranger posted?

Apart from the presence of the ejecting rod, I don't, but I've got a hunch you'd like to tell me about it.

 

[Aaron]

Apart from the presence of the ejecting rod, I don't, but I've got a hunch you'd like to tell me about it.

The one in your image is a Belgian made copy of the Lefaucheux model 1854. And based on the super clear image you can see it has the next on the side which likely says "E. Lefaucheux Inv. Breveté" which is what was required when they paid royalties to Lefaucheux.

The Belgian ones have this 2-piece frame that is screwed together in the front like:

Where as Lefaucheux's have a single piece frame:


There are other difference too such as the markings and other smaller differences which are easy to see in person, but even in pictures you can tell pretty easily from this aspect.

And in additional to the LF marking in front of the cylinder, they also hae different wording, in a different spot on the other side:
"Invention Lefaucheux Breveté SGDG Paris" or "Inv. E.LEFAUCHEUX BREVT SGDG PARIS" or similar.

 

[Patrick H]

The one in your image is a Belgian made copy of the Lefaucheux model 1854. And based on the super clear image you can see it has the next on the side which likely says "E. Lefaucheux Inv. Breveté" which is what was required when they paid royalties to Lefaucheux.

The Belgian ones have this 2-piece frame that is screwed together in the front like:

View attachment 576456

Where as Lefaucheux's have a single piece frame:


There are other difference too such as the markings and other smaller differences which are easy to see in person, but even in pictures you can tell pretty easily from this aspect.

And in additional to the LF marking in front of the cylinder, they also hae different wording, in a different spot on the other side:
"Invention Lefaucheux Breveté SGDG Paris" or "Inv. E.LEFAUCHEUX BREVT SGDG PARIS" or similar.

View attachment 576459

View attachment 576457

That's nice.

 

[gary]

Easy enough to make a new ramrod. Anybody have the dimensions? Use a micrometer for round objects.

 

[beepster]

I have serial #27520 which I understand was part of a purchase of 11,833 revolvers purchased by the U.S. Army pursuant to Executive Order #99 in 1861. These guns were serialized in the 25000-37000 range and placed in service in early 1862. My revolver has been identified to Lt. Col. Henry Davis of the 82nd Indiana Infantry...