Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The Gasser M1870 was a revolver chambered for 11.3×36mmR and was adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Cavalry in 1870. It was an open-frame model, with the barrel unit attached to the frame by a screw beneath the cylinder arbor. The arbor pin was screwed into the barrel unit and fitted into a recess in the standing breech. The cylinder was gate-loaded from the right side, and a rod ejector was carried beneath the barrel.
Replicas of these HUGE revolvers were very much favored in the Balkan State of MONTENEGRO in the late 19th century, which was under control of the Austro-Hungarian empire at the time. They were almost considered as men's jewelry. This however is not one of the many made for that trade, but a real Austrian example manufactured my Leopold Gasser Waffenfabrik, with all the correct markings and proofs.
Our example is well marked on the left barrel trunion with the patent information and serial number:
PATENT
RAST & GASSER
WIEN
187043
GUSS STAHL
The serial number 187043 is also stamped onto the cylinder, and the frame below the cylinder, to the right of the Leopold Gasser trademark:
L. G.
(Arrow through Apple)
SCHUTZ MARKE
"Guss Stahl" translates to "cast steel", indicating the method of manufacture. "Schutzmarke" is the trademark. There is also an Austrian double headed eagle on top of the barrel trunion, as well as CROWN / NI, for Nicholas I of Montenegro, who reigned 1860-1918 as first Prince and then King. The markings have been highlighted in white to make them easier to see. There are various assembly numbers marked on the revolver as well, including 161 under the grips, inside the trigger guard, and on the inside of both grip scales.
The grips are lovely checkered hardwood, and still retain almost all of the original texture, with no cracks or chips that we can see. A unique safety bar will usually be found on the right of the frame of M1870 Gasser revolvers, below the cylinder, however this was not found on all examples. This revolver does not have the safety bar, and functions in double action only. The high serial number and "Rast & Gasser" marking indicate this is a very late issue example, so the feature may have been removed. We do not see evidence that the safety bar was ever installed on this revolver.
Overall the revolver is in very nice shape, with a nice aged finish, showing wear and some light oxidation, but no real rust. The revolver functions well in double action only. It does not look like it was set up for single action use. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish. The loading gate is present and functional, as is the ejector rod, held in place by a small turn screw.
Presents well, close to 150 years old, a great Austrian revolver from the late 19th century, ready to display!!!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber: 11.3×36mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Double Action Only
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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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 all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". 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.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon