WWI Austro-Hungarian Steyr-Hahn M1912 9x23mm 5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1200
LSB#: 220410JL009
Make: Steyr
Model: Steyr-Hahn Model 1912
Serial#: 76050
Year of Manufacture: 1916, C&R
Caliber: 9x23mm Steyr (not 9mm Luger)
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with an Integral Magazine fed by Stripper Clips
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the serial number “76050”, “STEYR 1916”, a small “K” ( for Kontroll, control in English, inspection mark) and a large “S” (abbreviation for Scharfe Patrone which is German for live cartridge). The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number and a “K” inspection mark. The safety lever is marked with a “K” inspection mark. The right side of the trigger guard is marked with a faded stamp: “n” on the left side of a Hapsburg Eagle and date code “16”. The left side of the lanyard loop is marked with a “K” inspection stamp. The follower, left side of the hammer and top of the extractor are all marked with the “K” inspection marking.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “V”-notch at the rear end of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered wood with smooth borders. The grips have some light handling marks with a notable nick at the top of the left panel by the cartridge release notch. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering remains sharp. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey with mostly sharp rifling. There is moderate erosion concentrated in the grooves.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 60% of its metal finish. There are light-moderate handling marks, nicks and scuffs on the gun’s metal surfaces. Notably, there is finish loss along the leading edges, scattered patches of thinned finish on the slide and scattered patches of light surface oxidation. The portions of the slide and frame where the finish has worn off have taken a patina color while the barrel remains mostly bright. The markings remain clear. The screwheads have light-moderate tool marks but they remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single action trigger is crisp. The slide to frame fit has barely palpable play. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Steyr manufactured Steyr-Hahn Model 1912 semi-automatic pistol made for service with the Austro Hungarian Army during WWI. The Austro-Hungarian role in WWI was significant, the war began as a result of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s assasination in 1914. Gavrilo Princep who was a Yugoslavian nationalist of Serbian origin who sought to liberate Sarajevo from Austro-Hungary assassinated Franz Ferdinand and his wife on June 28th, 1914. He was arrested by the Austro-Hungarian authorities who put him on trial where he plainly stated “I am a Yugoslav nationalist”, despite this the Austro Hungarians portrayed the event as an act of Serbian state sponsored terrorism. Serbia was presented with a harsh ultimatum by Austro-Hungary on July 23 and only given 48 hours to reply. Diplomatic wrangling played out for the next five days before Austro-Hunagry declared war on Serbia. Austro-Hungary’s ally Germany exacerbated the crisis by preemptively declaring war on Russia, France and Belgium. Britain responded by declaring war on Germany. Austro-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire followed Germany’s lead soon thereafter; it is generally assumed that Germany and Austro-Hungary were looking for a pretext to start the conflict.
The Austro-Hungarian Army’s war effort was mainly focused on fighting against Italy which switched sides in 1915, the war against Russia and several conflicts in Eastern Europe including the poorly executed invasion of Serbia. The Austro-Hungarian forces were poorly led and faced repeated failures in the field, often having to rely on German support to reverse their losses. The war had ended in a catastrophic defeat for Austro-Hunagry, with the Hapsburg dynasty collapsing in the aftermath of the conflict. The war was very costly for the Austro-Hungarians who lost well over a million men during the conflict. This sidearm was manufcatured for use in this brutal and unforgiving conflict.
The Steyr-Hahn Model 1912 was a popular sidearm in the Austro-Hungarian Army, it was durable and well-suited to extreme conditions. This particular handgun was made in 1916, two years into WWI, as Austro-Hungarian troops fought across several theaters. The pistol has light wear consistent with a WWI-era weapon (it was made 106 years ago afterall), but the gun remains a well preserved, ergonomic and mechanically sound option. The markings remain crisp and the gun has a unique aesthetic. This is a great option for fans of historical firearms and WWI history aficionados. Good luck on your bid!