Steyr Mannlicher Argentine Modelo 1905 7.63x21mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1526
LSB#: 211216JH30
Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr
Model: System Mannlicher Model 1905
Serial Number: 5404
Year of Manufacture: 1905-1910
Caliber: 7.63x21mm Mannlicher
Action Type: Single Action, Delayed Blowback, Semi-Auto Pistol with Internal Magazine Fed by Stripper Clips
Markings: The left of the barrel, the left of the frame behind the barrel, and the bottom of the action cover are each marked “5404”. The left of the frame has a circled “T” next to the serial marking. The bottom-front of the slide is marked “84”. The left of the hammer is marked “04”, the left of the sear is marked “04, the left of the trigger bar is marked “37”, the right of the unloading switch is marked “04”, the inside of the left grip panel is marked “47”, the inside of the right is marked “75”. The right of the barrel is marked “1224”, found again on the bottom of the action cover near the front. The left of the action cover is marked “SYSTEM / MANNLICHER / Md. 1905 / WAFFENFABRIK / STEYR”, the right has had its Argentine crest removed. The top of the frame’s beavertail has “RA” in oval (Argentine Republic inspection marking).
Barrel Length: 6 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated wood panels. The grips have some scattered nicks, dings and scratches, both have darkened with age. Despite the markings inside the grips not matching each other or the pistol, they are fit fairly well to the frame and show similar wear. The serrations are generally well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts are In The White
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The lands are mostly bright, the grooves are gray. The rifling is well defined, generally sharp. There is scattered light-moderate erosion and minor pitting in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is in the grip areas and on the right of the action cover where the Argentinian crest was removed. The grip areas show light-moderate erosion, there is also a spot of erosion on the left of the slide. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches with infrequent minor surface oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The remaining markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
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: The Mannlicher Model 1905 was the end of a long series of pistol designs by Ferdinand von Mannlicher, slightly larger than the earlier 1901 Model. It is a slightly delayed blowback pistol with an external hammer, single action, and fed from a 10-round internal magazine loaded with stripper clips. This example was made for the Republica Argentina, one of the larger purchasers of the model, designated the Modelo 1905. This example has had its Argentine crest removed, as is very common with this model, but still retains an “RA” acceptance mark on the frame. Most of the primary components, barrel, frame and action cover have matching serial numbers, but the slide, some of the small parts and the grips have been replaced, which is not uncommon on these Argentine pistols. The pistol retains strong mechanics and is in good shape considering its age. This is a nice example of a fairly scarce pistol, and would be a great addition to a collection of early semi-automatic military pistols. Please see our photos and good luck!