Brescia Italian Army Modelo 1874 10.35mm DA/SA Revolver, MFD 1874 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1175
LSB#: 210723TS23
Make: Brescia Italian
Model: 1874
Serial Number: 27
Year of Manufacture: 1874
Caliber: 10.35mm
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The right side flat is marked with the serial number “27”. The left side of the frame is marked “BG” over “R. FABB D’ARMI / 1886 / BRESCIA”. The right side of the frame is marked “MH 718” and a crown over “RE” for the Italian Regio Esercito, or Royal Army. There are various inspection stamps and instances of the serial number dotted throughout the revolver.
Barrel Length: 6 1/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-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. The right panel has most of the wear with a few light losses in the front edge and several light compressions/nicks in the lower area. The checkering is well-defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Good-to-Very Good condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is quite bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light stubborn fouling in spots.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 33% of its finish. Most surfaces have gone to a light patina or have gone to white. Finish remains mostly on the frame and the right side of the barrel. Patina is concentrated mostly on the grip frame. 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: After losing dearly in the Franco-Prussian War, the French military set out to make an up-to-date sidearm, and the fruit of the initial endeavor was the Model 1873. This robust and well-considered design was very popular not just in France but also Switzerland and Italy—the place of origin for the Modelo 1874 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 good shape considering its age. Notable here is the rather low serial number of 27—this example is one of the oldest of the run, and in rather great shape regardless. Good luck and happy bidding!