{"product_id":"original-french-mas-modele-1873-m-chamelot-delvigne-11mm-naval-revolver-dated-1884-with-excellent-bore-anchor-proof-matching-serial-no-10746","title":"Original French MAS Modèle 1873 M Chamelot-Delvigne 11mm Naval Revolver Dated 1884 with Excellent Bore, Anchor Proof, Matching Serial No. 10746","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original French Modèle 1873 M Chamelot-Delvigne 11mm double action revolver manufactured at \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eManufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and dated \u003cstrong\u003e1884\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is the naval issue variation, identified by the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMle 1873 M\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e barrel marking and \u003cstrong\u003eanchor marking\u003c\/strong\u003e at the base of the grip. Serial number \u003cstrong\u003e1736\u003c\/strong\u003e is repeated throughout the observed serialized components, and the revolver retains its original bright steel finish, matching parts, and strong overall mechanical condition. With an excellent bore, properly functioning single and double action mechanism, and clearly legible arsenal and model markings, this is an especially appealing example of France's first standard double action military revolver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chamelot-Delvigne Modèle 1873 was the first double action service revolver adopted on a large scale by the French Army. Manufactured at Saint-Étienne from 1873 to 1887, with an \"Officer\" model beginning production in 1874. Although replaced by the Model 1892 revolver, it was nevertheless widely used during the First World War, and issued to reserve units in 1940. The Resistance made widespread use of it during the Occupation. Both the 1873 and the 1874 use a 11mm cartridge which proved to have an insufficient velocity. The weapons themselves were very reliable and resistant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile developed for ground forces, there were some issued to the French navy, which were mostly identical to the Army version, except for some early contracts. These were marked \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMle 1873 M\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e on the top of the barrel, and stamped with a Naval \u003cstrong\u003eAnchor proof\u003c\/strong\u003e on the bottom of the grip. These were made in significantly lower numbers, and exposed to a harsher environment, which makes them far more scarce and desirable on the collector's market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is a naval issue variation and is marked on the top of the barrel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMle 1873 M\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M suffix denotes the \u003cem\u003eMarine\u003c\/em\u003e configuration. At the base of the grip is the corresponding \u003cstrong\u003enaval anchor\u003c\/strong\u003e marking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side of the frame beneath the cylinder is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMre d'Armes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaint-Étienne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the barrel is dated:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eS. 1884\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eindicating manufacture at Saint-Étienne in 1884.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe serial number:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10746\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eappears on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, cylinder, trigger, hammer, and cylinder base pin. The observed serialized components therefore match throughout. Numerous smaller components are additionally marked with the assembly number:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH \/ 46\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional markings include a:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCROWN \/ E\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003estamp beneath the barrel and on the side of the cylinder. This crowned \u003cstrong\u003eE\u003c\/strong\u003e is associated with inspection at the Saint-Étienne manufacture and is a correct marking for these French military revolvers. Additional circled letter markings, including \u003cstrong\u003e(R)\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e(T)\u003c\/strong\u003e, are present on the left side of the barrel, together with other inspection marks elsewhere on the revolver. French arsenal practice included letter markings associated with manufacture officials and controllers, but we have not assigned these particular letters to named individuals here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe also noted a later stamped \u003cstrong\u003eP. P\u003c\/strong\u003e marking on the left side of the barrel, which we do not understand the meaning of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe revolver retains its original bright steel finish rather than a later applied blue or refinish. The surface has developed a light gray patina with scattered staining and minor peppering, but there is no extensive heavy corrosion or deep pitting noted. The markings remain crisp and well defined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe checkered wooden grip panels are in very good condition with attractive aged color and only light handling wear. No major cracks, chips, or repairs are visible. The lanyard ring remains present at the base of the grip and moves freely without deformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, showing a bright interior with strong lands and grooves. There is only minor evidence of past fouling and light oxidation that has since been removed. Considering the exterior wear and military service evident elsewhere on the revolver, the condition of the bore is particularly noteworthy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe action functions well in both single and double action. Cylinder indexing is good and lockup is solid. The cylinder arbor pin can be withdrawn properly, allowing the cylinder to be removed in the normal manner for cleaning. The loading gate remains present and operates as intended, while the ejector rod also moves and functions correctly. These observations describe only the revolver's present mechanical condition and are not an indication that it has been inspected or approved for firing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its Mle 1873 M naval designation, 1884 Saint-Étienne date, anchor marking, matching serial number 10746, repeated RH \/ 46 assembly markings, original bright steel finish, fully functional action, excellent bore, and well preserved grips, this is a strong example of the French naval Chamelot-Delvigne service revolver. The light surface staining and minor peppering are fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a French naval arms, Chamelot-Delvigne, Modèle 1873, Saint-Étienne, or advanced 19th century military revolver collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications of MAS model 73\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1884\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Saint-Étienne Arsenal (MAS)\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1873 Chamelot-Delvigne Revolver\u003cbr\u003eSerial No.: 10746\u003cbr\u003eLength: 240 mm (9.5 inches)\u003cbr\u003eBarrel length: 115 mm (4.5 inches)\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Bright Steel\u003cbr\u003eWeight (empty): 1.04 kg\u003cbr\u003eCylinder: 6 cartridges\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition: 11 mm Mle 1873 (11x17mmR)\u003cbr\u003eRifling: 4 right-hand grooves\u003cbr\u003eOperation: Double Action \/ Single Action\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of the MAS 1873\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Franco-Prussian War in 1870 clearly demonstrated the need for up-to-date equipment in war time. A great military tradition and esprit de corps can be defeated by superior training, and in the case of that war, artillery. After the war, both Germany and France continued to improve their military technology. However, neither side was convinced of the importance of pistols for field officers. The sword continued to be the symbol of authority for an officer on the battlefield all the way into World War I. European general staffs at that time were extremely conservative and pistols were sometimes grudgingly adopted as personal defense weapons with no practical offensive use. Even as pistols became more of a symbol of the officer, most preferred to privately purchase a smaller and more comfortable handgun instead of using a large standard issue revolver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chamelot-Delvigne 11mm Modele 1873 was adopted by the French army as a service revolver for non-commissioned officers. The Modele 1874 Revolver d'Officier was the version issued to officers. The differences between the two models included the following: the 1873 was finished in the white, whereas the 1874 had a fluted cylinder and a blued finish. The 1873 and 1874 were the first center-fire cartridge revolvers adopted by the French army. They had solid-frame, side-ejection, double-action mechanisms. The pistols were manufactured by the St. Etienne armoury, which still continues to manufacture fine sporting arms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design of the Chamelot-Delvigne revolvers became so popular that versions were adopted by the Belgian in 1871, Dutch, Italian, and 1872 in Switzerland with the Model 1872 Revolver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe caliber of these French pistols was 11x17.8mmR. The French round was actually 0.47 mm larger than its German counterpart. The German round could be loaded and used in the French pistol, but French rounds would not chamber in the German pistol. The cartridge had a pointed lead bullet weighing 11 grams. The case length was 17.8 mm, which was rather on the short side. Reloading this cartridge could take some patience due to the shortness of the case. Military specifications called for black powder loads, replaced by a mild smokeless powder in the early twentieth century. Standard muzzle velocity was around 550 feet per second.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cylinder had a side-loading gate which pulled straight to the rear. The sight picture was a ball and v type and is easy to align. It could be difficult to stay on target double-action due to the stiffness of the action. There was certainly no danger of accidentally pulling the trigger double-action. Cleaning and disassembly were easy as the cylinder pin doubled as a screwdriver and all-purpose tool. Internal parts were finely machined and finished. The trigger, hammer, and several of the internal springs were straw-finished, a type of case-hardening hot oil finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe French pistols began their service with the French army in the late 19th Century and saw service all over the globe in French colonies. Many saw service in World War I when European armies finally realized how important pistols were in the trenches. The Chamelot-Delvigne finally ended its venerable service as a police sidearm in World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45950485561413,"sku":"ONAC26B027","price":1895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/128E65A4-E1C2-48E1-B0B4-E73ED6AA7D28.jpg?v=1791398355","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-french-mas-modele-1873-m-chamelot-delvigne-11mm-naval-revolver-dated-1884-with-excellent-bore-anchor-proof-matching-serial-no-10746","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}