*German, c.1860s, Boxed, P.D. Lüneschloss Solingen 6-Shot Pinfire Revolver (Lefaucheux pattern), Box by Wilson’s Gun & Pistol Warehouse, London, Obsolete Calibre*
A scarce, boxed 6-shot pinfire revolver of classic Lefaucheux pattern, marked to the barrel flat over three lines “P.D. LUNESCHLOSS / SOLINGEN”. The revolver is fitted with a folding (“pop-up”) trigger for pocket carry, a fluted six-shot cylinder for pinfire cartridges, and a mixed octagonal-to-round barrel profile typical of mid-19th-century continental production. The action presents as the common commercial format for these pieces (hammer-fired with folding trigger), with scroll engraving to the frame and steel furniture, and a walnut grip with metal inlays and lanyard ring at the butt.
The revolver is serialled “1029” to the right side of the frame (as photographed). The cylinder is additionally marked “29”. The fitted case is lined in plush with a cartridge / accessory block and partitions, and retains a period trade label to the inside lid for “WILSON’S GUN AND PISTOL WAREHOUSE”, giving an attractive double attribution (German maker + London retailer).
Included is a period iron hooked cleaning rod, the shank unscrewing at the centre, intended for withdrawing fouling, wadding or debris from the barrel and chambers.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 10.5 cm. Overall length: 20 cm.
Historical Note:
This is a pinfire revolver of the Lefaucheux system, the dominant European self-contained cartridge revolver pattern of the 1850s–1870s. Pinfire arms were produced in large numbers across Belgium, France and Germany, with many Solingen firms better known for blades also turning out (or finishing/retailing) firearms during the mid-19th century.
Manufacturer – P.D. Lüneschloss, Solingen:
The revolver is barrel-marked “P.D. Lüneschloss, Solingen,” identifying production or finishing by the Solingen firm of Peter Daniel Lüneschloss. Founded in the early 19th century (recorded from c.1810), the company operated in Solingen—Germany’s renowned “City of Blades”—and originally specialised in swords, bayonets, and high-quality steel goods. Like a number of established Solingen houses, Lüneschloss expanded into the firearms trade during the mid-19th century, producing and marketing Lefaucheux-pattern pinfire revolvers at the height of their popularity (c.1860s–1870s). These revolvers were typically civilian or officer-purchase sidearms and were widely exported through European and British commercial networks, reflecting the international nature of the Victorian arms trade. Solingen involvement in revolver manufacture was comparatively brief, making surviving examples bearing clear Lüneschloss markings particularly interesting as part of this transitional period between traditional blade-making firms and modern cartridge-arm production.
Retailer – Wilson’s Gun & Pistol Warehouse, London:
The fitted case bears the trade label “Wilsons Gun & Pistol Warehouse, Vigo Lane, Sackville Street, London,” linking the piece to the vibrant West End sporting and outfitting trade. The Wilson name is associated with a long-established London gunmaking dynasty active from the 18th century, and by the 19th century the name carried considerable recognition within the British arms market. A Wilson operation is recorded at 1 Vigo Lane (later Vigo Street) in the early 19th century, with W.H. Wilson documented there between roughly 1802 and 1825. Premises in this area later passed through other hands, but well-known gun-trade surnames were frequently retained or revived by successor retailers, particularly in the West End where established names conveyed quality and reliability to customers.
The combination of a Solingen manufacturer’s mark and a London warehouse label is a good illustration of how the 19th-century arms trade actually functioned. Continental makers commonly supplied finished or semi-finished revolvers for sale through British retailers, who might case, label, and present them for the domestic gentleman’s market. It is entirely plausible—and historically typical—that the revolver and case may only have been paired at the point of retail sale or later within private ownership. The result is an appealing “double-attributed” piece, reflecting both the Solingen manufacturing tradition and the London West End sporting trade, and providing a tangible link to the international commercial networks through which such revolvers were originally sold.
*Condition*
The revolver shows honest age wear with a greyed steel finish and scattered oxidation / peppering, particularly to the barrel and around the cylinder area, with some retained blue tones visible in places under light. Engraved areas remain legible. The grip is sound with surface marks and handling wear consistent with age. The case is original to the set in appearance, with hinge and lock fittings present, but the lid label is worn/fragmentary. Cocks and dry-fires with a smooth, positive double-action. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Scarce boxed 6-shot Lefaucheux-type pinfire revolver, P.D. Lüneschloss, Solingen, serial 1029, in a fitted case with Wilson’s Gun & Pistol Warehouse (London) trade label — an appealing “maker + retailer” Victorian combination.
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