Item Description
Original Item: One only. These pistols are really like hen's teeth: so very hard to find. This is the first example we have ever encountered! Introduced April 18th 1869 and adopted as the Model 1869. Designed by JOHANN LUDWIG WERDER based on the Peabody and Martini Henry, the action of this rifle is truly fascinating.
Equipped with "Opposed" triggers and a cocking lever mounted above the action. The forward "backward" trigger lowers the sloping block like any Martini system. The Cocking lever, mounted in a block above the receiver to the rear cocks the Rifle and the standard trigger discharges the cartridge. In fact an extremely rapid process so much so that this rifle became known as the BAVARIAN LIGHTNING pistol.
Bavaria had allied itself to Austria in the 1866 European war against Prussia but had then allied itself to Prussia for the 1870 Franco-Prussian War. After France's swift defeat there followed the Confederation of German States in 1871, which under Bismarck ruled that all States should standardize on to ammunition used by the Prussians. This pistol then faded away after a very short service life. It had not been used much previously due to the heavy weight, and very large size. It also was already outdated, as cartridge revolvers were already in service when it was first developed.
Our example is Serial Number 3645, which is stamped on the underside of the barrel in the front of the receiver. There are also multiple proof marks such as CROWN / Z and CROWN / B, which are often seen on Austrian firearms. Assembly number 8 is stamped on most components of the pistol, including the barrel, frame, action, many screws, and even under the grips. The grips themselves have "8" written in pencil on the interior. There are also proofs on the outside of the grips, with a CROWN / M on the left side, which may be a Navy marking, and another marking on the right grip.
The pistol is in a splendid matured condition, still with an excellent bore, showing a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. It operates perfectly, and even still has the safety on the right side of the action. The original lanyard ring is still present, and this example would be hard to top.
This is Ultra Rare, as even the Rifles are uncommon, but the pistols even more so. In a Collector's desired condition this is ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1870
Caliber: 11.5mm Werder
Cartridge Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 8 Inches
Overall Length: 15 Inches
Action type: Modified Falling-Block
Feed System: Single Shot
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 posses, 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.
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