Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! French gunsmith Casimir Lefaucheux revolutionized firearms technology in 1836 by patenting the pinfire cartridge, the first widely successful self-contained ammunition design. The system featured a pin protruding from the cartridge’s side which, when struck by the hammer, would ignite an internal primer and fire the round.
Initially using cardboard cases with copper bases, by the 1840s pinfire evolved to all-metal construction with improved gas sealing. The 1851 Great Exhibition in London sparked international interest, leading to widespread adoption, particularly in revolvers and shotguns. Pinfire cartridges were produced in numerous sizes, from tiny 2mm to massive 4-gauge shotshells.
Despite advantages in quick reloading and convenience over muzzleloaders, pinfire technology had critical weaknesses. The protruding pins made cartridges fragile and prone to accidental discharge. By the 1860s, newer rimfire and centerfire designs offered superior safety and reliability. Though obsolete for military and civilian use, 2mm pinfire cartridges are still manufactured today for miniature novelty guns, preserving this important step in ammunition development.
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