French St. Etienne MLE 1892 22 LR Conversion DA/SA Pistol 1874-1875 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1250
LSB#: 211003BB08
Make: French Mre d’Armes St. Etienne
Model: 1892
Serial Number: F38348
Year of Manufacture: 1874-1875
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: DA/SA Double and Single Action Revolver with Swing Out Cylinder
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “Mre D’Armes / St. Etienne” in a cursive script along with the serial number, “F38348”. There are various inspection stamps and proof marks dotted throughout the revolver..
Barrel Length: 7 1/8”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade 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. There are shallow compressions and minor nicks throughout the smooth borders. The left panel has a more notable ding at the top. The checkering is well-defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: White
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is quite bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some minor stubborn fouling in a few spots.
Overall Condition: This revolver was finished bright. The barrel has light nicks throughout along with a few scuffs. The frame has scattered light nicks and scrapes along with light toolmarks near the controls. 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 revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver includes a black leather holster.
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 is the Model 1873, which became incredibly popular and saw wide use. The success of the 1873 paved the way for newer weapons such as the 1892 on offer here, which was made in a time where mass production was moving smoothly, but the human touch was still apprent on the weapons produced at the time. By appearances, this is a later conversion that has been outfitted with a .22 long rifle cylinder and barrel. The barrel is considerably longer than the standard at 7 1/8”. In overall Good-to-Very Good condition, this antique has a fair bit of wear, but does function mechanically. The bore is in exquisite shape. Good luck and happy bidding!