Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are thrilled to share a milestone moment with you: The Lefaucheux Museum is proud to announce the release of our very first museum-affiliated publication, USA & Pinfire: A Monograph by Aaron Newcomer. This detailed exploration delves into the fascinating history of pinfire firearms and their profound impact on American history, particularly during the Civil War. From the battlefield revolvers used by Union soldiers to sporting shotguns that graced American hunting grounds, pinfire technology was instrumental in bridging European innovation and American craftsmanship.
You can purchase your copy on Amazon here and dive into:
- Lefaucheux Designs in the Civil War: Discover how Lefaucheux revolvers played a pivotal role in the American Civil War, with nearly 14,000 pinfire revolvers acquired by the Union Army. These firearms marked a historic shift as some of the first self-contained cartridge weapons used in battle.
- American Pinfire Cartridge Production: Learn about the rise of American-made pinfire ammunition, produced by companies like C.D. Leet and Ethan Allen, which fueled the war effort and helped American soldiers transition to modern firearm technology.
- American Sporting Arms: Explore how renowned American gunsmiths such as Charles Sneider, August Genez, and John Krider adapted pinfire technology for civilian use, creating innovative sporting shotguns that became staples in the American market.
Outstanding Display at the American Society of Arms Collectors Show
We are also proud to announce that a dedicated display on this topic was recently presented at the prestigious American Society of Arms Collectors show, where it received the award for Outstanding Theme Display! This recognition underscores the importance of pinfire technology in American firearm history and highlights The Lefaucheux Museum’s dedication to educating enthusiasts and scholars alike.
Museum Update: Looking Forward with Your Support
While the museum has been running smoothly for the past few months, with exciting exhibits and publications, we have experienced slower growth in memberships and donations than expected. However, we are fortunate to have received in-kind donations from Microsoft and Google worth thousands of dollars, covering much of the cost for hosting our website and marketing efforts. These partnerships have been invaluable in keeping us operational and expanding our reach via ads.
Building Towards Something Bigger
As we continue to grow, we invite you to help us build toward something even greater:
- Membership: Consider joining as an Explorer, or Patron to gain exclusive access to digital exhibits, discussions, and more.
- Donations: Every contribution helps us expand our collections, develop educational programs, and preserve the Lefaucheux legacy for future generations.
- Spread the Word: Share our museum and new publication with your friends and fellow enthusiasts to help us reach a wider audience.
Together, we can ensure the remarkable story of the Lefaucheux family continues to inspire and educate.
With gratitude,
Aaron Newcomer
President, The Lefaucheux Museum