Original Item: Only One Available. The Gasser M1870 was a revolver chambered for 11.3×36mmR and was adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Cavalry in 1870. It was an open-frame model, with the barrel unit attached to the frame by a screw beneath the cylinder arbor. The arbor pin was screwed into the barrel unit and fitted into a recess in the standing breech. The cylinder was gate-loaded from the right side, and a rod ejector was carried beneath the barrel.

In 1873, an improved version was released, the Gasser M1873, which does not appear to have been adopted by any of the Austrian forces. It featured a "closed frame" design, and introduced a swing-out ejector that was stored inside the cylinder arbor pin, which is removable. It also moved to a 5 round cylinder, though it still retained the "Safety bar" on the right side of the frame and other design elements. It looks like many of these were made for the export market, often utilizing subcontractors in Liège, Belgium.

Replicas of these HUGE revolvers were very much favored in the Balkan State of MONTENEGRO in the late 19th century, which was under control of the Austro-Hungarian empire at the time. They were almost considered as men's jewelry. This however is not one of the many made for that trade, but a real Austrian example manufactured in Belgium for Leopold Gasser Waffenfabrik, with all the correct markings and proofs.

Our example is a later one, probably made for the Montenegro market, and displays a lovely aged plum patina overall It. is well marked on the left barrel trunion with the patent information:

The serial number 7807 is stamped onto the cylinder, and the frame below the cylinder, to the right of the Leopold Gasser trademark:

"Guss Stahl" translates to "cast steel", indicating the method of manufacture. "Schutzmarke" is the trademark. There is also a CROWN / NI marking on top of the barrel trunion, for Nicholas I of Montenegro, who reigned 1860-1918 as first Prince and then King. There are various assembly numbers marked on the revolver as well, including 25 under the grips, inside the trigger guard, on the trigger, and on the rear of the 5-round cylinder.

Also on the rear of the cylinder is an E / L G / * in a "Crowned" oval, indicating manufacture and inspection in Liège, Belgium after 1891. This proof had been introduced for exported arms to comply with new proof laws in Germany. However, we think this may be from export or servicing, as Gasser had stopped supplying these by the early 1880s, so there is definitely some interesting research potential here. There are also some other small proof markings, which we have not been able to identify.

The grips are checkered hardwood, still retaining a good amount of the texture, but also showing dents and a good amount of wear. The safety bar on the right side of the frame is still present, and correctly snaps in place once the trigger is moved back slightly to allow loading of the revolver. The revolver functions in double action only, and while it is a later example does not have any of the "RAST" markings on it.

Overall the revolver is in very nice shape, with a nice aged finish, showing wear and some light oxidation, but no real rust. The revolver functions in double action only. It does not look like it was set up for single action use. It also is missing the trigger return spring, so the trigger must be moved forward by hand after dry firing. The ejector rod works well, with the arbor pin pulling out correctly, and the cylinder removes correctly. The loading gate is present, however the retaining spring on the top is missing, so it will not stay closed.

Presents well, close to 150 years old, a very nice Austrian revolver from the late 19th century, ready to display!!!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber: 11.3×36mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 9 1/4 inches
Action: Double Action Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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