Model 1874 Chamelot-Delvigne, 11mm

The Model 1874 “Officer’s Model” was a development of the French standard sidearm Model 1873. It was slightly smaller with more refined lines, approximately 20% lighter than the Model 1873 but still chambered in the massive 11mm caliber. The 1874 was also made in a commercial variation, easily identified by a takedown lever on the right side of the frame and a more ornate loading gate.

This is a military model (aka “Officer’s Model”), made in 1877 by the St. Etienne Arsenal. It still has plenty of the beautiful factory finish, and is complete and fully functional. The action is very smooth, and works perfectly in both SA and DA with a solid lockup.

When you open up the action, the old-fashioned quality and craftsmanship become evident. The parts are neatly numbered, and there is an abundance of inspection marks. Despite the fact that it’s hidden behind the grip panel, the mainspring tensioner is still beautifully sculpted, polished and hand checkered. The grip panels are perfectly fitted to the frame and the side plate, and despite the age they still fit snugly without any wobble at all. It appears that no expense was spared to give the officers a revolver as nice as it could possibly be.

During WWII, the French resistance rechambered many of these to .45 ACP. This gun is converted as well, and looking at the aging and the quality of the conversion we strongly suspect that it’s a WWII conversion. The chambers are reamed to fit a .45 ACP, and since the cylinder is slightly shorter than a .45 ACP cartridge there are also relief cuts for the bullet tips to clear the forcing cone. The reaming job has a “field expedient” look to it, just like you would expect from a WWII conversion, with one chamber reamed a bit too deep. We suspect that the cuts in the forcing cone also work as a pressure relief, to make it safe to use with .45 ACP. The bore is in very good condition, with sharp rifling and some scattered, shallow pitting. The grips are in excellent condition, without any chipping, cracking or warping.

The 11mm Model 1874 is a scarce revolver, not nearly as common as the later 8mm Model 1892. You rarely see them come up for sale, and we are hoping that it will find a good home with somebody who appreciates these fine French revolvers.

Please note that we can not guarantee that this gun is safe to shoot with standard .45 ACP! We have spoken with a collector who is familiar with these conversions, and he recommended that you use mild hand loads with cast bullets, and it is also possible to shoot it with the original 11mm French Ordnance loads.

C&R eligible. – SOLD