A. Delahays 1881 Étrennes: Exquisite Lefaucheux Revolvers and Firearms with Artistic and Literary Offerings for New Year Gifts

Description

This 1881 advertisement by A. Delahays promotes a variety of finely crafted firearms, most notably a caliber 7 Lefaucheux revolver distinguished by its intricate engravings and nickel finish. The revolver, featuring a six-shot cylinder and double-action mechanism, embodies the technical advancements of its era, particularly the use of the Lefaucheux pinfire cartridge system. This system allowed for quicker and more efficient loading, setting a new standard for revolvers in both civilian and military use. The revolver’s lavish design, marked as a "rich model," was not only a practical firearm but also intended as an elegant gift, in keeping with the New Year’s tradition of étrennes (gifts).

Beyond revolvers, Delahays also offers the highly recommended Lefaucheux shotgun, further emphasizing their commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in firearms. These weapons were advertised alongside subscription bulletins, which allowed customers to acquire the firearms through an installment payment plan, making luxury firearms more accessible. This marketing strategy, combined with the technical innovations of the Lefaucheux system, illustrates the blending of art and technology in late 19th-century firearm production. The advertisement captures the zeitgeist of the period, where firearms were as much status symbols as they were tools of protection.

In addition to firearms, A. Delahays also markets a selection of artistic and literary works, including the "Album des Chefs-d'œuvre de Rubens," featuring high-quality reproductions of Rubens' masterpieces housed in the Louvre. Delahays further entices his clientele with other cultural and scholarly offerings, such as "La Chine et les Chinois," a comprehensive study of Chinese history, religion, and government, as well as the "Encyclopédie de la Famille," a 12-volume reference work designed for home education. These books and albums, paired with bonus gifts like lottery tickets and aquarelle prints, reflect the publisher's attempt to offer a well-rounded cultural and intellectual experience, merging fine art, education, and craftsmanship with the precision and beauty of his firearm offerings.