WWI Austrian Steyr Roth Krnka M1907 8x19mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1913 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,475.00
LSB#: LSB250828LA007
Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr
Model: Roth-Steyr (Krnka) Model 1907
Serial Number: 49006
Year of Manufacture: 1913, Re-Issued 1935
Caliber: 8x19mm Roth(also referred to as 8x18mm)
Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Internal Magazine Fed by Stripper Clips
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the front of the barrel jacket. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the frame’s stripper-clip guide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated wood panels. The grips have light handling wear with some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Arsenal Refurbished, the serial marking was re-applied (correct for manufacture year)
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. Most of the balance is scattered spots of minor erosion and light surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refurbished.
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: Adopted in 1907 by the Austro-Hungarian Cavalry, the Roth-Steyr M1907 was actually designed by Karel Krnka, an employee of Georg Roth. The pistol has a very interesting mechanism, operating via short-recoil and locking via a rotating barrel. The bolt telescopes over the breech of the barrel, all contained within a barrel jacket integral to the frame. The pistol was specially designed to have the striker mostly cocked by depressing the trigger at the behest of the Austrian Cavalry, so that it would not be fired accidentally around horses. This pre-dates Glock’s “safe-action” design by a few decades. This example was made in 1913 and apparently had a long service life, bearing a 1935 re-issue marking indicating it stayed in service well into the inter-war years. It also has a unit marking on the grip disc, oddly uncommon given that the pistols were produced with discs specifically for this type of marking. This pistol survived the Great War better than most, and will make a great addition to a WWI small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud
