Make: Manufacture d’Armes de Saint-Étienne

Model: Model 1873 Ordnance Revolver

Serial Number: G39384

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1877, Antique

Caliber: 11mm French Ordnance (11mm Mle 1873)

Action Type: Single Action / Double Action Revolver, Side Loading-Gate, Fixed Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “Mre d’Armes / St Étienne”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number “G 39384”, which is also seen on the interior of the trigger guard and loading gate. The right side of the barrel lug is marked “S.1877”. The barrel flat bears small inspector’s initials “M” and “J” in circles. Most screws and small parts have arsenal stamps, including alignment and assembly notations. The leather flap of the holster is marked “2426”.

Barrel Length: 4.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels. They are well fit to the frame and show moderate wear with softened points and small handling marks. There are no cracks or chips. The grips rate in about Good to Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Originally Blued, now patinated Steel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, the rifling is defined. There is erosion and fouling scattered throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains no more than 10% of its original finish, now worn to a silvery gray patina. Scattered surface oxidation, dark spotting, and edge wear are visible throughout. The screw heads show moderate tooling. The markings are legible. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics: The action cycles in both single and double action. The cylinder rotates and locks correctly. The loading gate operates as intended. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a period-style French military leather flap holster marked “2426” on the inside of the flap. The holster shows age cracking and scuffing but remains serviceable. Also included is a sealed bag containing 25 rounds of 11mm French Ordnance ammunition, likely reproduction or handloads.

Our Assessment: The French Model 1873 was the first centerfire revolver formally adopted by the French military and was a workhorse sidearm through colonial campaigns and into World War I. Although underpowered by modern standards, the 11mm cartridge was a solid step into modernity in the late 19th century, and the revolver’s robust design and smooth double-action trigger were appreciated by French troops.

This example is marked for Saint-Étienne and bears an “S.1877” barrel marking, likely indicating the year of acceptance or inventory. Its matching serial numbers and authentic arsenal proof marks confirm its status as a military-issued sidearm rather than a commercial or civilian version. Though finish wear is evident, the revolver remains functional and complete with its original wood grips, rare period-correct leather holster marked “2426”, and a bonus of 25 rounds of compatible ammunition. (Ammo Ships Separate)

A genuine antique that served the French military during a transformative period, this revolver is ideal for collectors of European martial arms, 19th-century sidearms, or anyone looking for a piece of revolver history that helped usher in the modern military handgun.