WWI Austrian Steyr Roth Krnka M1907 8x18mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1913 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2425
LSB#: 211216JH33
Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr
Model: Roth-Steyr (Krnka) Model 1907
Serial Number: 51277
Year of Manufacture: 1913
Caliber: 8x19mm Roth (also referred to as 8x18mm)
Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Internal Magazine Fed by Stripper Clips
Markings: The top of the barrel jacket is marked “WAFFENFABRIK STEYR”. The right of the frame is marked “51277”. The front of the barrel bushing, the rear of the cocking knob and the slide release are each marked “K”. There is a small “T” in circle on the rear of the frame at the top of the backstrap.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the front of the barrel jacket. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the frame’s stripper-clip guide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated wood panels. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks around the grip screws and the marking disc on the right. The serrations are generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is light erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation with a few more notable spots of oxidation on the right of the barrel jacket and the grip straps. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear and the controls have handling wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Adopted in 1907 by the Austro-Hungarian Cavalry, the Roth-Steyr M1907 was actually designed by Karel Krnka, an employee of Georg Roth. The pistol has a very interesting mechanism, operating via short-recoil and locking via a rotating barrel. The bolt telescopes over the breech of the barrel, all contained within a barrel jacket integral to the frame. The pistol was specially designed to have the striker mostly cocked by depressing the trigger at the behest of the Austrian Cavalry, so that it would not be fired accidentally around horses. This pre-dates Glock’s “safe-action” design by a few decades. This example was made in 1913 and is interesting due to its lack of markings. We haven’t been able to find any reference to the 1907 being sold commercially, but this example lacks the Austrian acceptance mark that is typically found on them. The condition of the markings that are present and the overall appearance of the pistol gives no evidence that the pistol has been refinished or had markings removed, which makes this a fairly uncommon sight. Produced just prior to when war were declared (insert C&Rsenal montage here), this pistol survived the Great War better than most, and will make a great addition to a WWI small arms or early autoloading pistol collection. Please see our photos and good luck!