The Gerard Revolver,Invented between 1871 and 1873 by the Belgian Theophile Gerard, the Gerard revol

The Gerard Revolver,Invented between 1871 and 1873 by the Belgian Theophile Gerard, the Gerard revolver is a break top revolver with a truly unique ejection and loading system.  Unlike other break tops where the barrel and cylinder pivoted downward, on the Gerard the barrel and cylinder folded upward when a latch was depressed.  Upon opening the cylinder would eject any spent cartridge casings.  It was chambered for a .32 centerfire cartridge, and was a double action revolver which did not require cocking with each shot.Produced by the Lepage Armory at Liege, Belgium, the only customer to purchase the revolver was the Brazilian military, who ordered 2,655 Gerard pistols during the 1870’s and 1880’s.  The pistol was used to replace older Lefaucheux pinfire revolvers which were common in Brazil during the mid 19th century.  The Gerard would remain in service until the early 20th century, when it was replaced with the Luger semi automatic pistol. -- source link

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