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Navy

A Model 1874 Army revolver sold at auction for $805. Condition is 90 percent original blue.

Amoskeag Auction Company, Sept. 2003

Model 1874

The Model 1874 was essentially the same as the Model 1873 but with a fluted cylinder. Used by French naval officers from 1878 to 1945. Between 1874 and 1886 approximately 36,000 of these revolvers were produced.

Model 1892

Chambered for an 8mm centerfire cartridge and has a 4.6" barrel with a 6-shot cylinder. Weight is about 30 oz. It is erroneously referred to as a “Lebel,” but there is no certainty that Nicolas Lebel had anything to do with its design or production, but was the chairman of the selection board that chose the design. This revolver is a simple double action, with a swing-out cylinder that swings to the right side for loading. The design of this weapon is similar to the Italian Model 1889. There is one redeeming feature on this revolver, and that is a hinged side plate on the left side of the frame that could be swung away after unlocking so that repairs or cleaning of the lockwork could be performed with relative simplicity. The cartridge for which this weapon was chambered was woefully inadequate. This revolver remained in use from its introduction in 1893 until the end of WWII in 1945, mainly because the French never got around to designing a replacement.