Original Item: Only One Available. These are very unusual to find for sale, as they were only really issued in the Netherlands, a relatively small country, and most saw long service. First issued in 1873, this Model saw much service, and were even still in use up into WWII in the Dutch East Indies as a very reliable black powder revolver. The early examples were fitted with octagonal barrels as our one has but these were later changed to round barrels in the late 1890s for ease of manufacture. They are often referred to as the "Hembrug 1873", as many were made by Artillerie Inrichtingen, in the Hembrug area of Zaandam, and used "HEMBRUG" as a trademark.

This is a very interesting example of the "First Model" with an octagonal barrel, which were replaced by the "Second Model" with the round barrel in 1898. As such it is considered a Pre-1899 Antique Firearm by the BATF. The revolver was not made in Hembrug, actually looking to have been made in Belgium for commercial sale. The side of the cylinder is marked with a ★ / F proof over an E / L G / * in a "Crowned" oval proof, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium after 1891. This proof had been introduced for exported arms to comply with new proof laws in Germany. The proof is also on the barrel and barrel bushing on the right side, and there is also a CROWN / R proof on the barrel as well, indicating that it is Rifled. This marking was introduced in 1894, so that allows us to accurately date this revolver to circa 1895.

The top of the barrel is marked with the retailer, who was also a known gunsmith in the area:

EDOUARD DE BEAUMONT MAESTRICHT

The revolver is in very good condition, with a lovely blued finish, and is marked with low 4 figure serial number 4759 on the left side of the frame. Assembly number 3 is stamped on the cylinder, cylinder arbor pin, underside of the barrel, trigger, hammer, and elsewhere, which makes this a great "ALL MATCHING" example of a Model 1873 Revolver. It has however been modified in the past by enlarging the bore to about 11.9mm, with commensurate enlarging of the cylinder chambers. We do not know why this was done, and the barrel was not re-rifled, but due to this it should definitely not be used under any circumstances. Action on the gun is solid and crisp, and the loading gate and cylinder removal system all work correctly. It has a great lightly used look with lots of original bluing and some great checkered wood grips.

Not easy to research for these are are very uncommon here in the U.S.. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1895
Caliber: 11.9mm
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge.
Overall Length: 11 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 6 1/4 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.