Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr

Model: Mannlicher m/1905

Serial#: 3560

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1905-1910, C&R

Caliber: 7.63x21mm Mannlicher

Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by Stripper Clips

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a dovetailed blade. The rear sight is a V-notch integral to the rear of the slide between the cocking knobs.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece vertically serrated wood. The inside of each panel is marked with a non-matching number. The grips show even light handling wear with some nicks and scratches. There are light tool marks around the screws. The serrations are generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished, numbered metal parts are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light-moderate erosion and light pitting scattered through the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates in about 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 92% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong with some edge-thinning. There are some scattered small nicks, scuffs and scratches. Most surfaces have a slight plum hue. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation and a few spots of erosion under the finish, most notable under and around the grips. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The remaining markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher was an Austrian weapons designer who designed many innovative arms. He began to take an interest in arms technology following the Prussian victory over Austria during the Seven Weeks War, the victory was in large part attributable to the technological superiority of the Prussian Army. Mannlicher eventually developed an impressive rifle which was ultimately adopted for service with the Austrian military and several foreign powers. He continued to design weapons for the Österreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft in Steyr, Austria until his sudden death in 1904.

This particular pistol is an improved variant of the Mannlicher Model 1901 handgun, based on a patent acquired by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher in 1898, that was sold to Argentina in 1905. The gun had a 5 line factory stamp placed on the left side of the frame so that the Argentinian national coat of arms could be applied to the right side. Most specimens lack the Argentine Coat of Arms marking, and it has been removed on this gun. There is a surviving Argentinian marking on the spur at the top of the back-strap. The refinishing job on the pistol is well done and the pistol is in good mechanical condition. This is a fascinating early semi-automatic handgun that should certainly appeal to historical collectors. Good luck on your bid!