This is a very good example of an early French Model 1892 Army Revolver in 8 mm .  Made from 1892 up through and following World War One, these saw service all over the world last seeing service during the Algerian Conflict in the early 1960's.  This is one of the relatively few we've seen with an 1895 dated Antique Pre-1898 production date.  Serial number located on the frame is in 75,000 range which is also correct for 1895 production (60,000 through 81,000) with the F prefix.  The "F"  is found on all 1892's made prior to the year 1897.  Unlike most manufacturers who batched their production with lettered prefixes alpabetically starting with "A,B,C....etc, the French only used prefixes F,G, H, I, and L on this model.

Overall condition is NRA Antique VG+ to Fine condition.  The metal overall retains 80% faded blue with sharp corners, edges, and markings. Hammer and trigger show traces of faded light case hardening.  4 5/8" part octagonal barrel. 6 shot fluted cylinder and checkered wooden grips.  Right side of the frame is marked Mre d'Armes St. Etienne while the top flat of the octagon barrel reads Mle 1892 (Model 1892).  The right flat of the barrel is dated S 1895 for the manufacture date. The left side of the barrel is correctly stamped "M" and "B" inside of small circles...this is the director's marking, Lieutenant Colonel Mouret who was in charge of St. Etienne production from 1894-1897.  The bottom of the barrel is stamped with an "E" which is the St. Etienne manufacture marking. Good working action functions well in both single and double action modes. Bore is Very Good+ overall with strong rifling...still fairly bright with only a couple of pits.  Wood grips are solid with light wear, strong checkering, and no chips, cracks, or repairs.  Original lanyard ring intact. A solid example of an early French Colonial revolver in nice condition.

Item# 0457

SOLD