Pauly Pistol No. 5: One of the First Modern Cartridge Firearms

Dated 1813 and marked No. 5, this Pauly pistol preserves a unique under-barrel lock and may be the fifth numbered production firearm built for a modern cartridge.
Read detailed studies based on original firearms, ammunition, patents, correspondence, and other primary evidence. These articles investigate mechanical development, attribution, dating, production, and historical significance, including subjects that extend beyond Lefaucheux into the wider history of breechloading and cartridge firearms.

Dated 1813 and marked No. 5, this Pauly pistol preserves a unique under-barrel lock and may be the fifth numbered production firearm built for a modern cartridge.

In mid-19th century Saint-Étienne, France, the Lefaucheux breechloader revolutionized firearms, enhancing craftsmanship among gunsmiths. This innovation revived demand for precise artisanal skills, which had waned with the simpler percussion guns. Ultimately, the breechloader's success preserved the city's legacy in arms making, balancing technology with traditional craftsmanship.

Context: Casimir Lefaucheux’s Breech-Loading Innovations Casimir Lefaucheux was a pioneering French gunsmith of the early 19th century, renowned for advancing breech-loading firearm design. Having apprenticed under Jean Samuel Pauly who introduced integrated cartridge firearms in 1812, Lefaucheux built upon that…

The article details the discovery and acquisition of the LF 0, Eugène Lefaucheux’s earliest pinfire revolver prototype, tracing its origins, modifications, and historical significance. The LF 0 is identified as the genesis of the successful M1854 series, marking a significant find in firearms history and Lefaucheux's legacy.

Step back in time to explore the groundbreaking history of Eugène Lefaucheux's arms factory, a pivotal force in 19th-century firearm innovation. This period piece delves into the intricate workings and revolutionary designs that defined Lefaucheux's legacy in gun manufacturing. Discover how his factory not only advanced weapon technology of its era but also laid the groundwork for modern firearm development.

The discovery of early Casimir Lefaucheux pinfire pistols has renewed interest in his relationship with Béatus Béringer. Both were innovators in the firearms industry, with Béringer known for unique cartridge designs. Legal disputes and settlements between them reveal a complex collaboration that influenced early breech-loading firearms technology.