Make: Johann Peterlongo

Model: Lefaucheux style Revolver

Serial#: 22

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1854-1898, Antique

Caliber: 8mm / .30 cal. Centerfire

Action Type: Single and Double-Action Pinfire Revolver with a 6-round Side-Gate loaded Cylinder

Markings: The gun has floral scroll engravings on the cylinder, frame, and barrel assembly. The cylinder has an oval marked “E / LG / *” stamped at the rear face (the marking indicates the gun was made before 1893 when the marking was changed to a crowned oval). The hammer, the frame, the front face of the cylinder, and the barrel lug are all marked “22”. The left side of the barrel is marked “PETERLONGO”, There is an “FA “ to be found marked where the barrel lug meets the frame.

Barrel Length: 3.5”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a beaded conical post. The rear sight is a “V” integral to the rear of the frame that can be used when the hammer is cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece smooth bone. The grip panels are a bit shy to the frame. There are some light handling marks and scuffs on the grips; Nothing of notoriety though. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in excellent condition.

Type of Finish: In the white

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grey with worn rifling. There are scattered patches of light-moderate erosion. The bore rates 5/10 in this writer’s opinion.

Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 0% of its original metal finish. The nickel finish has been lost to time and the remainder seems to have been cleaned, there are scattered patches of light surface oxidation, verdigris under the grip panels, and some scattered light handling marks. The markings remain very clear. The screw heads are only lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the revolver is in Very Good condition for an Antique.

Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action is smooth. The cylinder will not index automatically. The cylinder locks with light play on each chamber. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: none

Our Assessment: This is an Austrian variant of the Lefaucheux Revolver chambered for 8mm / .30 Cal. Centerfire rounds. The gun was manufactured by several Liege-based Belgian firms and French gunsmiths for commercial sales as well. This particular specimen is a commercial variant that was made by PeterLongo, Joh. & Mahrholt, Richard-Innsbruck, Austria. Generally speaking, the military variants were single-action revolvers while the commercial ones had a double-action function. Peterlongo died in 1898 and Mahrholdt took over so this revolver is pre-1898. It features fine factory engraving, bone grips, folding trigger, and is stamped Peterlongo on the left side of the barrel. The Gun has a clean shiny nickel look but the cylinder does not index. The gun was clearly a luxury item with beautiful scroll engravings and an impressive finish. The gun has some superficial wear consistent with an Antique firearm, but it remains both mechanically sound and aesthetically pleasing. This is a wonderful option for fans of historical firearms.