Make: Rast & Gasser

Model: 1898

Serial Number: 126454

Year of Manufacture: 1917

Caliber: 8mm Rast Gasser, 8x27mmR

Action Type: Double and Single Action 8-Shot Revolver

Barrel Length: 4 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece coarse-checkered wood. The grips have scattered light-moderate handling wear and discoloration. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tiny losses at each grip screw. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue and Strawed

Finish Originality: Original to the parts. Observed numbers match, but we did not find numbers on the trigger guard or sideplate.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is generally well-defined. There is evenly scattered moderate erosion and light pitting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 5/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is a little strawed finish remaining on the hammer and trigger. There is even surface erosion and light pitting. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The markings range from clear to worn or obscured by erosion. The action shows operational wear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Intended for wide adoption by the Austrian-Hungarian army in the period before World War I, the Rast and Gasser 1898 ultimately made its way only to NCOs and gunners as a secondary weapon due to slower-than-desirable production at the time. It did see use through World War II, however. This particular example has a 1917 acceptance mark and based on its condition likely saw service in the Great War, possibly beyond. This is a neat piece of history that will display well in a collection with its "been there, done that" appearance. Please see our photos and good luck!