Guns International #: 102344223
Seller's Inventory #: CBP23-67

Category - Military Revolvers - Non-US - Military Revolvers - Antique

Category
Military Revolvers - Non-US
Military Revolvers - Antique

** SOLD ** 1876 French Army MAS Model 1873 DA Service Revolver Converted to .45 ACP ** Very Handsome **

Description:
       The first double-action revolver ever used by the French Army, the MAS Model 1873 Service Revolver is one of the top 3 French Revolvers ever made, and quite possibly in the top ten antique military revolvers ever made world-wide.  That is pretty surprising to most people who think of French military weapons as unreliable and poorly designed, usually found in near-new condition as they were only carried and dropped once as the French soldier ran away or surrendered... as the joke goes. That is not the case with these MAS Model 1873 Service Revolvers, which were expertly designed, extremely tough, supremely reliable, accurate, powerful enough, and easy to clean and repair.  They check every box important to military service and served the French Military very well for much longer than they should have.
      This MAS Model 1873 was built in 1876 and likely served in French Military service all the way thru at least WW1 and possibly again with the resistance during WW2.  According to the book French Service Revolvers, early on during the occupation of France, French Resistance personnel modified a number of the 1873's by modifying them to take .45 ACP ammo as the 11mm French Ordnance ammo was used up or not available.  It is reported in another book that the British even dropped the equipment they needed to do the conversion and ,45 ACP ammo as well (reamers for chambers).  How many of these were converted that way versus how many were converted post-WW2 by importers or individuals is not known.  What is known is that despite being extremely overbuilt for the original black powder 11mm F.O. load, the smokeless .45 ACP load with a jacketed bullet can cause failure in these of the top strap in particular.  Many of the collectors that bought these converted guns a long time ago will only shoot handloaded .45 ACP ammo loaded with a black powder charge and non-jacketed lead bullets.  This combination of a load is reported to cause no over-stressing or damage to the gun.  We are selling this revolver as a display piece only, not for shooting.  Whether or not the next owner shoots it is for the new owner to decide on their own.  
      We can say that the action is "in time" and seems to lock up properly, regardless of whether it is operated in single action or double action, fast or slow.  All of the controls on this revolver seem to be in perfect working order.  The bore is absolutely spectacular in this MAS Mle.1873, with strong and sharp rifling from the forcing cone to the crown of the muzzle.  There is no visible damage to the bore.  The cylinder bores also appear to be in good condition, and they are clean.  The original grips on this gun are in excellent condition, free from any cracks, chips, or repairs.  The internals of this Model 1873 are pristine-looking and show little to no mechanical wear to the naked eye.  All major parts of this revolver appear to be serial numbered and matching.  Nearly all of the small parts are numbered too, and when you take off the sideplate you can see most of the action.  There is one small part below the hammer next to the frame numbered "47" that we are trying to figure out whether it is mismatched or if that is an assembly number or something of the like.  
                                                         This revolver is an antique can be shipped directly to your home, no FFL needed. 

NOTE: AS MENTIONED ABOVE, WE ARE SELLING THIS MODEL 1873 AS A PARTS-GUN OR DISPLAY GUN ONLY.  WE DO NOT SUGGEST THAT IT BE FIRED WITH .45 ACP AMMUNITION AT ALL!!!!  IF THE NEW OWNER WANTS TO DO THE RESEARCH ONLINE TO FIND HAND-LOADS THAT OTHERS ARE USING SUUCCESSFULLY IN THEIR GUNS THAT IS UP TO THAT PERSON.
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: 11mm French Ordnance, .45 ACP (.45 Auto)
Manufacturer: M.A.S. Manufacture d'armes de Saint-Etienne
Model: Model 1873 DA Service Revolver
Serial Number: F99704
Barrel Length: 4.53" Inches
Condition: Good
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Excellent
Bore Condition: Minty / Excellent
Action: DA/SA Revolver
Finish: Armory Bright
Weight: 36.6 Ounces
Sights: Fixed Iron Sights
Manufacture Date: 1876