Original Belgian .38cal Rimfire Liège Proofed Double Action Revolver Serial 380 with Foldaway Trigger - Circa 1880

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely French-style revolver, made in Liège, Belgium for World distribution. These were very popular during the late Victorian Age, and were perfect for a large vest pocket. Six shot in .38cal Rimfire was enough to see any unwanted attentions off and with a fold away trigger the revolver was easy to conceal, as it would not catch on the pocket when drawing. It has lovely engraved and embossed designs on much of the revolver, and is marked on the left side of the barrel breech AND on the cylinder with ACIER FONDU, or "Cast Steel". It has serial number 380 stamped on the cylinder.

The cylinder is also stamped with the Belgian E. / L.G. / * in an oval marking, indicating manufacture in the legendary gun-making city of Liège, Belgium. There is no "Crown" on the marking, so it was definitely made prior to 1893. It also has some Crown / T marking on the front of the cylinder, and other single letter proofs elsewhere on the revolver. We removed the grips, and the frame is marked GR on the right side, with JF and SD stamped on the right side. These may be maker markings or possibly inspection stamps, and definitely a great avenues for future research.

Overall condition is still very good, with the embossed and engraved designs still crisp, and there is still a good amount of the original bluing in areas, while the rest has been removed by cleaning. We do not see any peppering, pitting, or major oxidation. The grip scales are in lovely condition with a great color, showing some denting around the bottoms.

The action cycles in single and double action, though the cylinder often springs back after the hammer is released, so it does not advance at times, and needs to be revolved by hand. This affects both single and double action. The loading gate is present and fully functional, however the ejector rod that would normally be inside the arbor pin is not present. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past oxidation and fouling visible, now cleaned away.

A very necessary item for self protection in late Victorian England, New York or any city in the U.S. Antique and ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1880
Caliber: .30 cal.
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6 1/2 inches
Action: Single/Double
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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