The first European revolver to incorporate a swing-out cylinder which improved loading and unloading. The action was very robust and easy to clean because of the best mechanism access system ever developed. The main drawback was the underpowered cartridge which lacked the necessary ‘stopping power’. Despite this the Lebel served the French Army from 1892 to 1945. This example stamped "S 1904" = manufacture date?
Marks and Stamps: (Top of barrel) Mle 1892 S 1904 (Under barrel0 Serial no| Accession Number: 87 | Period of Use: 1892 - 1945 |
| Type: Revolver | War Zones: Colonial Wars; First World War; Spanish Civil War; Second World War |
| Country of Origin: France | Type Date: 1892 |
| Manufacturer: Unknown -various for this type | Serial Number: 5511 |
| Manufacture Date: 1904? | Calibre/Ammunition: 8mm |
| Weight: 840g | Length Overall: 236mm |
| Cyclic Rate: revolver | Length Barrel: 117mm |
| Deactivation Certificate Number: Da 38298 |