Original Item: Only One Available. This is something that we have not had before! Here we have a great example of an Italian "Enlisted" Pattern Bodeo Model 1889 Revolver. Known officially in Italian as the Pistola a Rotazione, Sistema Bodeo, Modello 1889, these were adopted in 1891, which makes this a VERY EARLY example, during the first year of production. The revolver became available in two patterns, an enlisted version (Type A) with an octagonal barrel and folding trigger, and an officer's version (Type B) with a round barrel and solid trigger guard.

There were many manufacturers employed to make the Bodeo Model 1889, and this example was made in the gunmaking area of Brescia, which had long been a center of Italian gunsmithing. The maker name is listed on the left side of the frame:

R-FAB-D'ARMI
BRESCIA-1890

This revolver was manufactured by the Reale Fabbrica D'Armi (Royal Factory of the Army) in Brescia, the Arsenal for that area of Italy. Made prior to 1898, unlike many of these revolvers, this example is considered ANTIQUE by U.S. FEDERAL LAW. It is marked with serial number A 7806 on the right side of the rear frame, and there are assembly numbers such as 11, 17, and 6c stamped on various parts. From what we can see, none of the functional metallic parts have been swapped out.

The grips however definitely have been, with the wood replaced by plexiglass. Many of these were brought home following WWII, and it is possible that a USGI brought this home, and had the grips replaced with plexiglass, which was a popular material during that area. At this point, it's also possible that the lanyard ring was removed, as it is missing.

Overall condition of the revolver is very good, with the blued finish well retained on most of the exterior, and a lot of the interior as well. The bore is in very good condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a bright finish, showing little evidence that it was ever used. There is just a bit of oxidation in places. The action works nearly perfectly, with good cylinder lockup and indexing. The loading gate is present and functional, and the ejector rod swings out to the right correctly allowing the spent cartridges to be removed. The revolver breaks down correctly for cleaning, though the arbor pin can be stubborn.

A great chance to pick up an ANTIQUE example of the Italian Bodeo model 1889, the first enlisted model that we have had to offer. Ready display!

Specifications:-

Years of Manufacture: 1889-1931
Caliber: 10.35×20mm Ordinanza Italiana
Type of Ammunition: Centerfire Cartridge
Length: 9.1 inches
Barrel length: 4.5 inches
Finish: Bright Steel
Cylinder: 6 cartridges
Operation: Double Action / Single Action

History of the Bodeo Model 1889 Revolver

The Bodeo Model 1889 is a solid-framed, six-shot revolver, designed as the replacement for the previous Model 1874, which had been a copy of the French Chamelot-Delvigne 11mm Modele 1873. Made by a large variety of Italian gun-makers, the Bodeo became the service revolver of the Italian Army in 1891. The revolver was named after the head of the Italian commission that recommended its adoption, Carlo Bodeo. It remained the principle handgun of the Italian Army until it was increasingly supplanted by the Glisenti Model 1910. The revolver was never declared obsolete and remained as a reserve weapon until the end of World War II. The Italian manufacturers identified with the production of the Bodeo include: Societa Siderurgica Glisenti, Castelli of Brescia, Metallurgica Bresciana, and Vincenzo Bernardelli of Gardone Val Trompia. During World War I, Spanish manufacturers Errasti and Arrostegui of Eibar produced the Bodeo for the Italian government. The Italians nicknamed this revolver coscia d’agnello ("leg of lamb"). During World War II, the Wehrmacht designated the Bodeo as Revolver 680(i) when utilized as an alternative firearm.

The barrel, the cylinder, the trigger components, the loading door, the ejection rod, the springs and the screws were made in steel; while the frame, the backplate, and the ejection rod collar were made of iron. An external hammer block drop safety was designed and retrofitted to many revolvers in 1894, though this external hammer block safety was replaced with an internal safety during an arsenal refinishing program in 1915.

Prior to the First World War, the infantry version of the Bodeo was originally produced "in the white". The Italians underwent a program to arsenal refinish many revolvers in 1915, with changes including bluing the revolvers and installation of an internal hammer block drop safety. Later models of the Bodeo were blued from the factory.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. 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.