*Montenegrin Gasser Model 1873 Army Revolver (Belgian Production), Obsolete Calibre*
Serial number: 11127
Marked on the LHS frame below the chamber: 11127 next to the trademark of an apple pierced by an arrow below which the "KE" of "Marke" can still be seen.
Marked on the barrel: 11127
Marked on the LHS receiver: Faint - "Gasser Patent"
Marked on the Cylinder: ELG within ellipse and crown, the Leige Proofmark indicating it was produced in Belgium
Marked on the RHS receiver: R crowned: indicates that the barrel is rifled (in use since January 30, 1894)
There are various assembly numbers marked on the revolver.
Montenegrin Gasser Model 1873 Army Revolver (Belgian Production)
This revolver is a Belgian-manufactured variant of the Gasser Model 1873, commonly referred to as a "Montenegrin Gasser." It features a solid one-piece frame, an overall length of 245mm, a 127mm barrel, and a five-shot fluted cylinder chambered for the 11.2×29.5mm cartridge. The chequered hardwood grips exhibit wear consistent with age and use.
The original Gasser M1870, adopted by the Austro-Hungarian cavalry, was an open-frame revolver chambered in 11.3×36mmR. In 1873, Gasser introduced an improved model with a solid frame and an internal ejector rod housed within the cylinder pin, often referred to as the "Nagant-style" ejector. This design allowed the ejector rod to pivot to the side for expelling spent cartridges. While some M1873 revolvers were acquired by the Austro-Hungarian army, many were sold commercially, particularly in the Balkans. Belgian and German manufacturers produced numerous copies, often marketed under the "Montenegrin" label.
In 1910, King Nicholas I of Montenegro decreed that all male citizens were members of a national militia and were required to own at least one Gasser Pattern revolver. This mandate aimed to create an armed populace to deter potential aggressors, given Montenegro's limited military capacity. While the decree specified Gasser Pattern revolvers, it did not mandate that they be manufactured by Leopold Gasser. Consequently, demand led to licensed and unlicensed production by various European firms, notably in Belgium and Spain. These revolvers became status symbols in Montenegro and were often adorned with decorative elements.
The revolver in question, produced in Belgium, exemplifies the widespread manufacturing of Gasser-style revolvers beyond Austria-Hungary, reflecting the historical significance and influence of the original Gasser designs.
*Condition*
Chamber rotates, can be cocked and fired. Grip is chipped. Wear and tear commensurate to age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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