WWI MAS ST. ETIENNE CHAMEKOT-DELVIGNE Model 1873 11MM 4.5″ Revolver Antique

More Sold Fine European Arms

SOLD FOR: $1,150.00

LSB#: LSB251220TO087

Make: French, La Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne

Model: 1873

Serial Number: G51020

Year of Manufacture: 1890 / Antique

Caliber: 11mm

Action Type: Single or Double Action SA/DA 6-shot Revolver

Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “Mle d”Armes / St Etienne”, The left side of the frame, left side of the barrel, bottom of the trigger guard and the cylinder are all marked with the serial number “G51020”. The top of the barrel is marked “Mle 1873” / S 1890. There are multiple French proof and inspection marks on the barrel, cylinder and frame.

Barrel Length: 4 1/2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade pinned to a half moon base that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch that is integral to the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. The checkering is worn but still visible. There are multiple compression marks, dings and scratches. There are no cracks or chips. There is a lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip. Overall, the grips rate in Good to Fair condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is slight erosion and fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains none of its metal finish with only traces of blue in protected areas. The metal surfaces all have turned to a gray patina. The frame on the left side has scattered minor surface oxidation. There are multiple scratches and dings all along the metal surfaces. Screws show light tool marks with strong slots and pins are unmarred. Overall, this revolver rates in Fair to Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. 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 MAS Model 1873 revolver, based on the Chamelot-Delvigne system, holds a pivotal place in French military firearms history as the nation’s first standard-issue double-action revolver. Manufactured by Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne beginning in 1873, it marked a major transition from earlier single-action and percussion designs to more modern cartridge-firing sidearms. Chambered in 11mm, it was built for durability and simplicity, traits that made it exceptionally reliable in military service.

Produced in large numbers through the late 19th century, the Model 1873 saw widespread use not only in metropolitan France but across French colonial territories. It was produced by Manufacture d’armes de Saint-Étienne from 1873 to 1887 in about 337,000 copies. Although replaced by the Modele 1892 revolver, it was nevertheless widely used during the First World War and issued to reserve units in 1940. The French Resistance made widespread use of it during the German occupation.

This later 1890 production example reflects the long service life and widespread use of the design. Condition-wise, this revolver shows heavy, honest wear consistent with long-term service and age. The loss of original finish and development of a uniform gray patina are typical for these well-used military arms. The bore shows moderate wear compared to earlier examples, but the revolver remains mechanically functional with intact markings.