Presentation High Quality Belgian Percussion Revolver (AH6579)

This unusual presentation Belgian percussion revolver is in the condition collectors love to see. The overall length is approx. 12.5". The 6 5/8" octagon 43 caliber barrel has an excellent bore with bright, strong rifling. The barrel assembly retains approx. 95% of its bright blue with the expected edge wear and light spotting. The side-mounted loading lever is bright. The barrel is marked on the top F KINAPEN A LIEGE (F Kinapen at Liege, Belgium) and the left flat has a crown over Z proof. The cylinder has approx. 90% blue with loss in one area where it laid on its side. It has decorative bands at the front and rear. The engraved frame, front and back straps, and trigger guard are blue-brown. The engraving is extensive and well-executed. The hammer and trigger are bright. The barrel assembly, frame, cylinder, and trigger are numbered 10. The European walnut grips are finely checkered and the grip intersection to the frame sides is scalloped. There are no cracks or chips. The action functionns properly in both single and double action and the left side safety properly holds the hammer away from the caps. NOW FOR THE BEST PART: The bottom of the grip has a silver presentation plate that reads "Presented to Captain Paxton by COLONEL LAPINSKI as a mark of his Gratitude, for the Loyalty and Sympathy displayed by him in the cause in which he was engaged 1863". Teofil Lapinski was a Polish cavalry officer who particapated in the Hungarian revolution in 1848, the Crimean War, and in the Russo-Circassian War. Based on the 1863 date of the inscription Captain Paxton must have been involved in the Russo-Circassian War on the side of the Circassians. Colonel Lapinski visited London in late 1862 and met with Prime Minister Palmerston to plead (to no avail) the Circassian cause. Captain Palmer may well have been involved in setting up this meeting. Don't miss this fine and interesting pistol!