Brass pin-fire cartridge
Name/Title
Brass pin-fire cartridgeEntry/Object ID
2025.1.493Description
12 bore brass cartridge, pin-fire, wax sealed.Context
In 1835 Casimir Lefaucheux of Paris was granted a patent for a new type of cartridge in which the cartridge's priming compound is ignited by striking a small pin which protrudes radially from just above the base of the cartridge. These pins fitted into a small groove cut in the top of each barrel-end and made it easy to see if the gun was loaded. The pin-fire cartridge was greatly improved by the 1846 patent (number 1963) by Benjamin Houllier of Paris which introduced a base wad and effectively made the cartridge gas-tight which incrementally improved the performance. It made for cheap and clean shooting. These improved pin-fire guns grew in popularity in France and some were imported by British gun makers to overwhelming indifference on the part of the gun users there. Great Britain was a bit late in getting started with the pin-fire as the system didn't really get going until after it was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851. The system's heyday lasted about twenty years.Cataloged By
Felix LamCategory
Country & Rural activities, Guns equipment