St Etienne MAS m/1873 Chamelot-Delvigne 11mm Double Action Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $ 1,050.00
LSB#: LSB250523DB002
Make: French Mre d’Armes St. Etienne
Model: 1873
Serial Number: G38522
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1877, this revolver was refurbished in 1917.
Caliber: 11x17mmR
Action Type: Single or Double Action SA/DA Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 4 1/2”
Sights/Optics: The front sight was a blade integral to a base fixed to the barrel, the blade portion has broken off. The rear sight is a v-notch that is integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered wood panels. The panels have light-moderate handling wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Strawed and White
Finish Originality: Markings indicate an arsenal refurbishment in 1917. Numbered parts match, including grips.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 3% of its metal finish. Most surfaces are in the white and most of the strawed parts have muted. There is some scattered minor erosion and infrequent surface oxidation. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The markings are surprisingly clear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.
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, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The French, if history is to be observed, seem to develop new firearms on the heels of a massive defeat, or ahead of a perceived walloping. After losing dearly in the Franco-Prussian War, they set about to make an up-to-date sidearm, and the fruit of the initial endeavor was the Model 1873 on offer here. In overall Very Good-plus condition, this antique was refurbished in 1917 and, while showing wear consistent with its age and service, retains matching numbered pars and strong mechanics. The winner will have on their hands a fine collectible. Good luck and happy bidding!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
