Make: Waffenfabrik Steyr
Model: Mannlicher m/1905
Serial Number: 4846
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1905-1910
Caliber: 7.63x21mm Mannlicher
Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by Stripper Clips
Barrel Length: 6 1/4”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel rib. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the slide at the cocking knobs.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece serrated wood. The interior of the left panel is stamped "22", the interior of the right "75". The left panel has a notable bruise at the front edge in front of the screw, the right panel has a couple of dings near the top. There are some nicks and scratches. The serrations are generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. Most numbered parts match, the slide is non-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7+/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. There are some spots of minor erosion on the right of the slide dust cover. The most notable wear is on the right of the dust cover where the Argentine crest was removed. There is light oxidation on the frame under the grips. There are some other scattered spots of light oxidation. Some parts have a plum hue, most notable on the barrel. The action shows light operational wear. The remaining markings are clear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished and not all parts-original.
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 Osterreichische 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 dust cover so that the Argentinian national coat of arms could be applied to the right side. Most specimens, including this one, lack the Argentine Coat of Arms marking, it was likely removed when the guns were refurbished prior to being sold commercially. Despite this, there is a surviving Argentinian marking on the spur at the top of the back-strap. The refinishing job on the pistol is reminiscent of the type of finish applied to refurbished Argentine Rolling Block Rifles that were exported to the U.S. This is a fascinating early semi-automatic handgun that should certainly appeal to historical collectors. Good luck on your bid!
