Make: Steyr
Model: Steyr-Hahn Model 1912
Serial#: 1793l
Year of Manufacture: 1916
Caliber: 9x23mm Steyr (not 9mm Luger)
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with an Integral Magazine fed by Stripper Clips
Barrel Length: 5"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the front of the slide. The rear sight is a "V"-notch at the rear end of the slide.
Stock/ Grip Configuration & Condition: The grip panels are two-piece checkered wood with smooth borders. The grips have some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There is some light surface erosion, mostly under the finish and most on the right of the frame around the trigger. There are a few scattered light marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good-plus 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: Includes a Boyt zipper case.
Our Assessment: This is an Osterreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft Steyr manufactured Steyr-Hahn Model 1912 semi-automatic pistol made for service with the Austro Hungarian Army during WWI. The Austro-Hungarian role in WWI was significant, the war began as a result of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination in 1914. Gavrilo Princep, a Serbian who sought to liberate Sarajevo from Austria-Hungary, assassinated Habsburg Crown Prince Franz Ferdinand and his wife on June 28th, 1914. Princep was arrested by the Austro-Hungarian authorities who put him on trial where he plainly stated "I am a Yugoslav nationalist" .Despite this the Austro Hungarians portrayed the event as an act of Serbian state sponsored terrorism. Serbia was presented with a harsh ultimatum by Austria-Hungary on July 23 and only given 48 hours to reply. Diplomatic wrangling played out for the next five days before Austria-Hunagry declared war on Serbia. Austria-Hungary's ally Germany exacerbated the crisis by preemptively declaring war on Russia, France and Belgium. Britain responded by declaring war on Germany. Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire followed Germany’s lead soon thereafter; it is generally assumed that Germany and Austria-Hungary were looking for a pretext to start the conflict.
The Austro-Hungarian Army’s war effort was mainly focused on fighting against Italy which switched sides in 1915, the war against Russia and several conflicts in Eastern Europe including the poorly executed invasion of Serbia. The Austro-Hungarian forces were poorly led and faced repeated failures in the field, often having to rely on German support to reverse their losses. The war ended in a catastrophic defeat for Austria-Hungary, with the Hapsburg dynasty collapsing in the aftermath of the conflict. The war was very costly for the Austro-Hungarians who lost well over a million men during the conflict. This sidearm was manufactured for use in this brutal and unforgiving conflict.
The Steyr-Hahn Model 1912 was a popular sidearm in the Austro-Hungarian Army, it was durable and well-suited to extreme conditions. This particular handgun was made in 1916, two years into WWI, as Austro-Hungarian troops fought across several theaters. The pistol has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. It retains matching serial-marked parts, a decent bore and strong mechanics. It also remains chambered for the original 9x23mm Steyr cartridge, where many were converted to 9mm Luger after Anschluss in 1938. This is a great option for fans of historical firearms and WWI history aficionados. Please see our photos and good luck!
