Lefaucheux Model 1854
Lefaucheux · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1854
Also known as: Lefaucheux M1854, 12mm Pinfire Revolver, Lefaucheux Cavalry Model
Overview
The Lefaucheux Model 1854 was the first revolver to fire a self-contained metallic cartridge, the 12mm pinfire, and the first metallic-cartridge revolver adopted by a national government. Designed around the pinfire system pioneered by Casimir Lefaucheux and brought to the revolver by his son Eugene, it was a six-shot single-action design loaded through a side gate. It was widely exported in both military and civilian forms during the 1860s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 980 g (34.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 298 mm (11.73") |
| Barrel Length | 156 mm (6.14") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 168 m/s (551 fps) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12mm Lefaucheux · primary — also known as 12mm pinfire, 12mm broche, 12x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Features: Revolving Cylinder, Pinfire Metallic Cartridge, Loading Gate, Ejector Rod, Single Action Only
Variants
- Lefaucheux Model 1854 Civilian (Double Action) — Civilian Double Action
Service history
Operators
- French Navy · adopted 1858
- Union Army · adopted 1861
- Civilian market · adopted 1854
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
- Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
Production
Production years: 1854-1870
Produced in large numbers at MAS Saint-Etienne and under license in Liege; tens of thousands exported
Origin
Country of origin: France
Designer: Eugene Lefaucheux
Discontinued: 1870
Notes
Military examples were generally single-action, while civilian models were often double-action and offered with short or long barrels. Tens of thousands were imported into the United States during the American Civil War, used by both Union and Confederate forces, and the type was produced at Saint-Etienne (MAS) and in Liege, Belgium under license.
Background
By replacing loose powder, ball and percussion caps with a single drop-in cartridge, the Lefaucheux Model 1854 made the revolver a true cartridge weapon a full decade before the system became commonplace, earning its place as the first cartridge revolver in military service.