Pinfire cartridge
![Selection of types of pinfire cartridges in order from 15mm, 12mm, 9mm, 7mm, 5mm to 2mm. Description of each cartridge is listed on the image's file page.](/Images/godic/202502/02/Lefaucheux_Pinfire_Cartridges3802.jpg")
![Schematic of a pinfire pistol cartridge](/Images/godic/202502/02/Pin_fire3802.PNG")
![Detail of a Lefaucheux M1858 pistol. Notice the pin protruding from the cartridge.](/Images/godic/202502/02/Lefaucheux_revolver_IMG_32553802.JPG")
A pinfire cartridge is an obsolete type of metallic firearm cartridge in which the priming compound is ignited by striking a small pin which protrudes radially from just above the base of the cartridge. Invented by Frenchman Casimir Lefaucheux in the 1830s but not patented until 1835, it was one of the earliest practical designs of a metallic cartridge. Its history is closely associated with the development of the breechloader which replaced muzzle-loading weapons.