French 12mm Javelle Patent Pinfire Revolver

Description

A fully functional 12mm Javelle revolver, manufactured between the 1860s and 1880s by the gunsmith M. Javelle in St Etienne, France. This revolver operates smoothly in both double and single action modes, utilizing a mechanism inspired by the British Beaumont-Adams revolver. The unique system includes a small lever behind the trigger, which acts as a secondary trigger, and a half-cock notch on the hammer for added safety.

The revolver features a solid frame, an octagonal barrel, and a distinctive knuckled square-shaped grip, all contributing to its robust construction. The top-break mechanism, similar to those found in Lefaucheux pistols, allows for easy disassembly and cylinder removal. The bottom of the frame, ahead of the trigger guard, is marked with “JAVELLE.M ST ETIENNE” in a half-moon pattern, along with “Bté S.G.D.G” horizontally at the bottom. This Javelle revolver represents a unique combination of practical design and innovative features from the mid-19th century.