Chamelot-Delvigne Modèle 1873 French Army Revolver, 11mm French Ordnance, DA/SA, In-the-White Polished Steel, 4.5 in Barrel
The Modèle 1873 is the classic French Army service revolver designed by Chamelot-Delvigne and produced at Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne. This antique, full-size 11mm French Ordnance revolver features an in-the-white polished steel finish, checkered walnut grips, and a robust DA/SA mechanism. It retains the hallmark military configuration and markings associated with 1873–1887 production.
Built with all-steel construction and a traditional service layout, it includes a six-shot non-fluted cylinder with front relief cuts, right-side loading gate, and the under-barrel pivoting ejector rod with a knurled head. Fixed sights, an exposed hammer with a checkered spur, and a lanyard ring on the butt round out the service-ready design.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are markings from previous handling and use. Please review the photos for close-ups of the finish, proofs, and markings.
What’s Included
- Revolver only; no box or case included
Designed by Chamelot-Delvigne and produced by Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne, the Modèle 1873 served the French Army and is chambered in 11mm French Ordnance. This example follows the standard military pattern with a double-action/single-action trigger system and full-size steel frame.
The exterior is finished in-the-white polished steel across the frame, barrel, and cylinder, complemented by checkered walnut grip panels. It uses fixed sights with a front blade and a topstrap rear notch, and the exposed hammer carries a checkered spur for confident control.
Mechanically, it features a six-shot non-fluted cylinder with milled reliefs at the front of the chambers, a right-side loading gate, and the classic under-barrel pivoting ejector rod with a knurled head. A lanyard ring on the butt reflects its service role. Barrel length is 115 mm (approximately 4.5 in), overall length is 240 mm, and weight is about 1.04 kg.
Markings include "Mre d'Armes St Etienne" and "Mle 1873," with additional proofs such as circled letters on the barrel flat and a crowned mark on the cylinder. Inspector and assembly numbers are present on several parts; the full serial number is present on the barrel flat and cylinder, while the trigger guard and other small parts typically carry assembly/match numbers, consistent with period production practices.