Pirlot Frères Model 1872/78 Revolver
Pirlot Frères · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1872
Also known as: Ordonnanzrevolver 1872/78, Swiss Model 1872/78 Revolver, Chamelot-Delvigne-Schmidt Revolver
Overview
The Pirlot Frères Model 1872/78 is a solid-frame, six-shot service revolver built in Liège, Belgium by the gunmaking firm Pirlot Frères and adopted as a Swiss ordnance sidearm. Chambered in the 10.4mm Swiss ordnance revolver cartridge, it uses the Chamelot-Delvigne double-action lockwork with a hinged loading gate and rod ejection. The Model 1872 was originally a rimfire arm; the Model 1872/78 designation covers the batch converted from rimfire to centerfire ignition, of which only about 900 were procured.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 150 mm (5.91") |
| Action Type | Double Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
Calibers
- 10.4mm Swiss Ordnance Revolver · primary — also known as 10.4mm Swiss, 10.4x20R Swiss, 10.4mm CF
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch, Loading Gate
- Features: Solid Frame, Chamelot Delvigne System, Loading Gate, Notched Cylinder, Lanyard Ring, Walnut Grips
Variants
- Pirlot Frères Model 1872 (Rimfire) - Rimfire Original
Service history
Operators
- Swiss Armed Forces · adopted 1872 · as Ordonnanzrevolver 1872/78
Production
Estimated total produced: 900 · Production years: 1872-1878
Approximately 900 revolvers procured by the Swiss military; the 1872/78 designation reflects the rimfire-to-centerfire conversion. Pirlot Frères' total output across all firearm types was far larger.
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Rudolf Schmidt
Discontinued: 1878
Notes
Marked "Pirlot Frères, Liège" on the left frame with an oval "CDS" (Chamelot-Delvigne-Schmidt) hallmark and Swiss federal acceptance stamps. Rudolf Schmidt adapted the Chamelot-Delvigne system for Swiss service. Dimensions such as weight and overall length are not reliably documented in the consulted sources.
Background
Switzerland's early ordnance revolvers were not made in Switzerland at all but in the Belgian gun town of Liège, where Pirlot Frères stamped them with a small "CDS" oval for Chamelot, Delvigne and the Swiss adapter Rudolf Schmidt before shipping them across Europe for federal acceptance.