Argentine Contract System Mannlicher M1905 7.65×21 Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,119.00
LSB#: LSB251030RN013
Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr
Model: 1905
Serial Number: 3351
Year of Manufacture: 1905 – 1910 / C&R
Caliber: 7.65x21mm Mannlicher
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Blow Back Hammer Fired Pistol
Markings: The left side of the frame is marked, “SYSTEM MANNLICHER Md.1905 WAFFENFABRIK STEYR”. The rear of the beavertail and barrel are marked with Argentine proofs. All serialized parts are matched, “3351”.
Barrel Length: 6.4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade dovetailed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece ribbed wood panels screw set to the frame. There are moderate handling marks and small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The ribs are worn and broken in some spots. The grips rate in about Good + overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol comes with a 10 round internal magazine.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion and small spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are small handling marks and scratches throughout. The slide and barrel have turned to a light plum color. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled and the pins are unmarred. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good + condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather holster.
Our Assessment: This Argentine contract System Mannlicher Model 1905 represents an important early chapter in semi-automatic pistol development, produced by Waffenfabrik Steyr during a period of rapid global transition away from revolvers. Designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher, the Model 1905 was forward-thinking engineering for its time, featuring a fixed barrel and internal magazine system that reflected European experimentation with reliable self-loading sidearms at the dawn of the 20th century. Chambered in 7.65x21mm Mannlicher, a proprietary cartridge developed specifically for this system, the pistol illustrates the era’s lack of standardization before cartridges such as 9mm Parabellum became dominant. This example shows strong external presentation following a refinish, retaining approximately 99 percent of its metal finish, with small handling marks and light scratches visible throughout. The bore is semi-bright with pronounced rifling, showing light erosion and small areas of pitting, rating 7 out of 10, which is consistent with its age.
All serialized components remain matching, matching this a great collectors piece. The ribbed wooden grip panels show moderate wear with chipped and worn ribs but remain intact, reflecting honest age rather than later replacement. Included with the pistol is a leather holster, further reinforcing its period character. While refinished, this System Mannlicher 1905 remains a mechanically sound and visually striking example of an early service automatic, offering collectors a tangible link to the experimental era that shaped modern military handgun design. -R.E.
