Casimir Lefaucheux 1833 Patent Shotgun, Serial Number 3512

Description

Invented by Casimir Lefaucheux and patented in 1833, this early shotgun, bearing the serial number 3512, dates to after 1835, following Lefaucheux's patent of the pinfire cartridge. Lefaucheux's design introduced a breech-loading mechanism, a revolutionary departure from the muzzle-loading firearms that were standard at the time. The patent detailed a pinfire system, where the cartridge contained its own ignition source, allowing for quicker and more reliable firing.

The shotgun features finely engraved metalwork and a carefully crafted wooden stock, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its creation. The barrel inscription, "INVENTION LEFAUCHEUX," attests to its authenticity and historical importance. This model includes an elegant leaf-pattern engraving, reflecting Lefaucheux's attention to both functionality and aesthetic detail. The action is controlled by an under-barrel lever that rotates sideways, a hallmark of Lefaucheux's design, which allowed for easier reloading and improved the overall handling of the firearm.