Very Sharp Belgian 11x17.8mmr Chamelot & Delvigne Maquire Revolver Antique

This revolver is a copy of the Fagnus Maquire, and marked on the left side of the grip frame with “C&D”, indicating manufacture by Chamelot and Delvigne. It has Belgian proof marks and inspection marks, and the parts of the action are individually numbered. The quality and fit are extraordinary – not only do the grips fit the grip frame well, but the cuts in the checkering on the front strap and backstrap exactly match the cuts in the grips – leaving the impression the checkering was cut with the grips installed on the frame. The revolver is in about Fine condition with about 70% of its original finish. The finish shows a few compression marks and scattered spots of pinprick surface erosion, with thinning on all of the edges. The action functions correctly. This revolver has a unique lever on the left side of the frame that rotates down and up to release the left sideplate, which can then be swung to the rear, and the left grip removed. This reveals the entire action. The loading gate doubles as a safety. When the loading gate is swung back and down, it locks the hammer, trigger and cylinder. The loading gate must be lowered and then raised after each chamber is loaded in order to advance the cylinder to the next chamber.
The bore is nice, and the action functions correctly. This is a fantastic vintage revolver and is sure to end up in a collection of French or Belgian revolvers of the 19th Century.