Steyr Mannlicher Model 1905 Argentine Contract 7.63mm Semi-Auto Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,301.00

WOA#: WY240508BR006

Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr

Model: Mannlicher m/1905

Serial#: 2643

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1905-1910, C&R

Caliber: 7.63x21mm Mannlicher

Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by Stripper Clips

Markings: The left side of the barrel and frame in addition to the bottom of the dust cover are serial matched “2643”. The slide is marked “43” on the bottom. The sear-arm and cartridge-release are marked “39”, the hammer “51”. The left side of the chamber has a small proof ahead of the serial number. The left side of the dust cover is marked “SYSTEM / MANNLICHER / Md.1905 / WAFFENFABRIK / STEYR”. The spur at the top of the back-strap is marked “RA” inside an oval (República Argentina). The Argentine crest has been removed from the right of the dust cover. There is no import mark.

Barrel Length: 6 1/4”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel rib. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the slide at the cocking knobs.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece serrated wood. The left panel has light handling wear with more moderate wear on the right. There are some nicks and scratches. The serrations are generally well defined, moreso on the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion and very minor pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There is a patch of erosion on the right of the slide and the dust cover below. The dust cover has machine marks and minor erosion under the finish where the crest was removed. There is light oxidation on the frame under the grips. There are some other scattered spots of light oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The remaining markings are clear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher (ca. 1848-1904) was an Austrian weapons designer who designed many innovative arms. He began to take an interest in arms technology following the Prussian victory over Austria during the Seven Weeks War, the victory was in large part attributable to the technological superiority of the Prussian Army. Mannlicher eventually developed an impressive rifle which was ultimately adopted for service with the Austrian military and several foreign powers. He continued to design weapons for the Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft in Steyr, Austria until his sudden death in 1904.

This particular pistol is an improved variant of the Mannlicher Model 1901 handgun, based on a patent acquired by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher in 1898, that was sold to Argentina in 1905. The gun had a 5 line factory stamp placed on the left side of the dust cover so that the Argentinian national coat of arms could be applied to the right side. Most specimens, including this one, lack the Argentine Coat of Arms marking, it was likely removed when the guns were refurbished prior to being sold commercially. Despite this, there is a surviving Argentinian marking on the spur at the top of the back-strap. The refinishing job on the pistol is reminiscent of the type of finish applied to refurbished Argentine Rolling Block Rifles that were exported to the U.S. This is a fascinating early semi-automatic handgun that should certainly appeal to historical collectors. Good luck on your bid!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud