French St. Etienne Model MLE 1873 Army 11x17mmR DA/SA Revolver 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1055
LSB#: 210514TS99
Make: French Mre d’Armes St. Etienne
Model: 1873 Army
Serial Number: H79102
Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: 11x17mmR
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side flat of the barrel is marked with “R” and “T”; both letters are encircled. The upper left flat is marked with the serial number, “H79102”. The top flat of the barrel is marked “MLE 1873” in cursive script. The right side flat is marked “S. 1882”, denoting the year of manufacture. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number, “H79102”. The right side of the frame is marked “Mre D’Armes / St. Etienne” in a cursive script. The ejector rod housing, trigger guard, and cylinder (twice) are marked with the serial number, “H79102”. The bottom of the barrel and the cylinder are marked with the Crown “E” St. Etienne stamp. The internal parts, side plate, and grip panels are serial matching, each marked with a partial or complete serial number.
Barrel Length: 4 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch that is integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood panels. The panels are dark in appearance. There are shallow compressions and minor nicks throughout the smooth borders. The checkering is well-defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Strawed and White
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is quite bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bre, but there is some minor stubborn fouling in spots.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 0% of its strawed finish. Surfaces originally left white have either gone to a light patina or have light surface oxidation. There are minor nicks and scuffs scattered throughout the revolver. Screws have light tool marks with strong slots and pins are unmarred. Overall, this revolver rates in Good-to-Very Good condition, as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The French, if history is to be observed, seem to develop new firearms on the heels of a massive defeat, or ahead of a perceived walloping. After losing dearly in the Franco-Prussian War, they set about to make an up-to-date sidearm, and the fruit of the initial endeavor was the Model 1873 on offer here. In overall Good-to-Very Good condition, this antique has a fair bit of wear, but does function quite well mechanically. The bore is in exquisite shape considering its age. Some care and attention will certainly serve this historically significant firearm well, and the winner will have on their hands a fine collectible. Good luck and happy bidding!