Early Ingenuity: The Primitive Lefaucheux Percussion Cartridge

Description

This is a rare and early type of cartridge developed by Casimir Lefaucheux, predating his revolutionary pinfire design. It is a percussion cartridge, characterized by its copper base and the unique feature of a hole that not only facilitated the removal of the fired cartridge using a corkscrew-type tool but also allowed early percussion guns to fire through the breech. The headstamp marked "Fabrique Gevelot Brevet" in abbreviated form indicates that this cartridge was produced by Gevelot following Lefaucheux’s sale of his patents to them, marking a significant period in the evolution of firearm technology.

The copper base of the cartridge was a notable innovation by Lefaucheux, enhancing the firearm's range and preventing spit-back, which were significant issues with earlier designs. This cartridge exemplifies the transitional phase in firearms, moving from muzzle-loading to breech-loading mechanisms, thereby improving the safety, reliability, and overall effectiveness of firearms during this era. The significance of this development is underscored by period testimonials that praised its advancements in safety and efficiency, recognizing Lefaucheux’s cartridge as a superior solution in the realm of firearm technology.