Systems Lefaucheux: A History of Pinfire Arms & Their Role in the American Civil War

French arquebusier Casimire Lefaucheux' invention, in 1833, of the pinfire ignition system opened the door on the concept of modern, self-contained firearms ammunition.

The arrival of the pinfire system coincided with the coming of great industrial revolutions on both sides of the Atlantic, and with them political and social revolutions, as well. Soon countless new types of firearms began appearing, and pinfire revolvers became the requisite sidearm for many leading European powers. As described in this new book, pinfire arms also were purchased and issued to many units during the American Civil War--both North and South.

Covered as well are the personalities involved in the design, development, and manufacture of pinfire arms and ammunition, plus technical data, patents, military adoptions, commercial sales, markings, cartridge headstamps, and much, much more. A rarity chart is even provided for collectors.

Once relegated to a minor footnote in the long history of firearms, "Systeme Lefaucheux" now elevates these renowned guns to a position of distinction in the annals of weaponry. Here is a welcome addition to every collector's library.

As a youngster in upstate New York, Chris Curtis was introduced to a number of World War Two veterans, who sparked in the boy an intense interest in firearms and militaria. However, while attending gun shows he was exposed to a wider variety of firearms, and by the late 1960s he had discovered pinfire cartridge arms. It was a collector's dream: Pinfire arms were plentiful, relatively inexpensive, and found in almost endless varieties and variations.

While attempting to learn more about these fascinating arms Chris became aware of the paucity of information about them available to collectors. Often the data was contradictory, even incorrect.

Once begun, the quest led him to other pinfire arms collectors, and to primary sources of information. Years of studying collections in museums, in private hands, and at arms shows, in addition to researching obscure records in patent offices both here and abroad, resulted in the publication of this book.

Today residing in eastern Tennessee, the author enjoys displaying his large collection of pinfire arms and related artifacts at gun and Civil War shows across the country.