Belgian Patent No. 9666 for a Pinfire Cartridge Revolver – April 20, 1854

Description

Belgian Patent No. 9666, dated April 20, 1854, was awarded to Eugène Lefaucheux for an innovative design of a revolver that utilized pinfire cartridges. This patent delineates the development of a revolving handgun that significantly streamlined the loading and firing process, a substantial advancement in the field of firearms at the time.

The accompanying illustrations provide detailed views of the revolver’s design:

Figure 1 presents the side elevation, showing the assembly of the barrel and the cylinder.
Figure 2 offers a top plan view, clarifying the spatial arrangement of the revolver's primary components.
Figure 3 zooms in on the cylinder, highlighting the placement of the cartridge chambers.
Figures 4, 5, and 6 dissect the mechanics behind the hammer and trigger system that strikes the cartridge’s pin to fire the bullet.
A key feature of this design is the revolver's mechanism, meticulously engineered to ensure the precise impact on the cartridge's pin for reliable firing. Lefaucheux's patent introduces a pioneering approach to rapid reloading, addressing the urgent needs of active combat situations. Additionally, it proposes an efficient solution for cylinder maintenance, allowing for its easy removal for reloading and cleaning, demonstrating Lefaucheux's foresight in design for practicality and ease of use.

Belgian Patent No. 9666 signifies an important juncture in firearm history, marking Lefaucheux's first patent registered in Belgium, which contributed to the ongoing evolution of firearms technology during the 19th century.