French Pistols Part 2 of 3

*PISTOLETS RELATIFS FRANÇAIS DE LA GUERRE CIVILE AMÉRICAINE* *PARTIE 2 DE 3*
French Related Pistols of the American Civil War Part 2 of 3

This is the second of three photo discourses on French related revolvers used in the American Civil War. These pistols, as pictured below, are from top to bottom: 1. A Liege manufactured E. LeFaucheux Brevete 6 shot, 12 millimeter (.47 cal.) pinfire cartridge single action revolver. (Please see Collector's Item Of The Week for June 30, 2000) 2. A Paris, France made Perrin 6 shot, 12 millimeter (.47 cal.) center fire internal primed cartridge double action only revolver. (This week's Collector's Item) 3. An unmarked George Raphael 6 shot, 11 millimeter (.42 cal) center fire internal primed cartridge double action revolver. (Next Week's Collector's Item)


*PART 2*
*THE FRENCH MADE PERRIN REVOLVER* *6 SHOT, 12 MILLIMETER CENTER FIRE CARTRIDGE DOUBLE ACTION ONLY REVOLVER*


This weapon is 12-5/8" over all in a straight line from the end of the butt to the front of the barrel. The barrel length is 6-3/16". The one piece walnut grip is metal capped with a lanyard ring. The trigger guard has a false spur and a downward curve at the front. It can only be fired in a double action mode. There is a spring safety on the left side that when manually set prevents the hammer from resting on the cartridge base. The barrel is actually in 3 sections. The forward round section is 4½". Then there is a 7/16" barrel band that apparently can be turned to unlock the barrel from the frame. The remaining 1¼" of the barrel length is the frame itself. I could not easily break it down, so I have left it alone. The markings on this arm are are shown in the following photographs.

About 550 Perrins were purchased on the open market by the federal government during the war. Undoubtedly this weapon was also available for purchase by individuals. This weapon has few markings. They are as follows:

The serial number, " No 653", is stamped on the cylinder and near the front of the left side of the frame. Under the frame serial number is a small sunburst design with "PARIS" beneath it.


On the right frame in front of the cylinder, stamped in 2 lines, as best as I can tell, is "PERRIN / & CIE. BTE". There are no specific proofs, French or otherwise anywhere on the gun.

The loading gate/shell retainer lever is quite long.	The cartridges are internally primed with a percussion cap that is activated by the force of the falling hammer.

Following are top & bottom views of the Perrin revolver:



Let's hear it for the Perrin revolver. All together now! "Viva la France - et hooray pour le pistolet de Perrin"!

Be sure to join us next week for Part 3 of 3, a pictorial discourse on the Raphael Revolver.
Thanks for looking. My son Reed Radcliffe, the webmaster and I hope everyone had a very happy 4th of July. Dave Radcliffe