France, Second Empire (1852-1970). Officer's LEFAUCHEUX system pinfire revolver, civilian LEFAUCHEUX manufacture based on the 1858 Marine model. Cal. 10.7 mm. Six shots. Serial no. "LF 12140". All metal parts white with tiny spots in places. Round rifled barrel with rear sight mounted on dovetail. The left side of the frame is marked "INVon E. LEFAUCHEUX BRté S.G.D.G. (PARIS)" and the right side "LF" surmounted by a small pistol and "12140". Smooth barrel. Smooth walnut stock plates. Functional single-action mechanism with two clear, play-free cocking notches. Clean barrel interior with good scratches. Complete. 29.5 cm (barrel 16.5 cm). (Loading door not to the same no. Good condition).

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.