Description
12/11/24 - Antique Gasser-Kropatschek Officer’s Model 1876 Revolver. The Model 1876 Gasser-Kropatschek revolvers were a scaled down version of the massive 11.3mm 1870/72 Gasser Infanterierevolvers. One specification of the M1876 revolvers was a reduction in size caliber to the more manageable 9mm Gasser-Kropatschek for officers. Unlike the M1870/72 infantry revolvers, Officers were also required to privately purchase their M1876 revolvers, hence the wide variation in finishes (e.g., nickel, blueing, engraved) often seen on officer’s revolvers.
This is a private purchase example manufactured in Belgium. On the rear face of the cylinder there is a pre-1893 Belgian ELG in an oval proofmark, and a star over letter H inspector’s mark. On the underside of the barrel there is star over letter H inspector’s mark. Underneath the left grip panel there are the manufacuterer’s mark LF in an oval.
The revolver is in excellent mechanical condition, which is rare as many of these Gasser-Kropatschek revolvers go out of time. Single action breaks clean and surprisingly light, and double action is strong but heavy. Timing is excellent and lockup is strong with the trigger fully pulled to the rear. Half cock safety lever functions exactly as designed.
This revolver is chambered in 9mm Gasser Kroptaschek, and will also accept .380 European revolver, 38 Long/Short colt. I have also used 38 special brass for reloading and the revolver will chamber 38 special wadcutters, but please be careful as it is not designed for full powered factory 38 special.
Not import marked.
