Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 онлайн

53 страница из 495

The 1873 service revolvers were charged to the Government from 41,30 Francs (about $8.26) in 1884, to 62,96 Francs (about $12.59) in 1886.

After World War II, this writer purchased a brand new second-hand example around 1952 at 1000 Francs (about $4 USD). They are now much more highly prized than that in Europe. Currently, as legal antiques, they are worth 1000 Euro ($1450 USD) in the same condition! As for the rarer Navy models marked with the anchor, if they retain their original blue finish, you may have to pay up to 2000 Euro ($2900 USD)!

1874 CHAMELOT-DELVIGNE FRENCH OFFICERS’ MODEL

In 1874, while the army was testing the first 67 production model 1873 troopers’ revolvers, the Saint-Etienne arsenal released the new, more lighter and compact “Officers Model of 1874.”

Basically, the action was the same as the M1873’s, but the cylinder was fluted and slightly shorter; the overall length was reduced by one inch (8.58 inches instead of 9.68 inches); the barrel was shorter (4.33 inches instead of 4.48 inches); the sights were improved; and the trigger pulls were smoother. Moreover, the guns were now blued, with the action components light yellow heat-treated. In short, it was now a gentleman’s handgun intended for general distribution among all French Army officers.