Antique Royal Thai Army M/1883 Reichsrevolver .44 Russian, WW1 issued

Collectors and historians gather, this is a very unique Royal Thai Army issue M/1883 Reichsrevolver, also known as the "Officer's model". I have never seen a Thai stamped revolver before, and my digging has not found any results about these revolvers indicating poor documentation. This model was introduced as an improvement upon the reliable but heavy M/1879 Reichsrevolver issued to German infantry. The precise single action design allowed for consistent performance with 10.55mm (.44 Russian) bullets in the 4 5/8" barrel. These antique revolvers were made from 1883 to 1896, so this one is from the last year of production. These revolvers were so reliable they were used even through WW2. Various .44 Russian rounds can be purchased from www.rustywood.ca, or reloaded with .44 Magnum/Special brass. As an antique, this revolver can be owned without licensing or registration in Canada, and can generally be fired where a non restricted firearm would be permissible.

This fine example was made by Erfurt in 1896, as declared by the stamp on the left side. This was a time with lots of conflict as Siam (Thailand) fought successfully to retain sovereignty against European and other colonial powers, and later fought with the allies on the Western Front in WW1. Stamped with Thai numeral serialization 110066 and a Royal Thai Army chakara, and WW1 unit marks. It is SN #41xx, with the serial marked in almost 10 places and last two digits ("63") on all small parts and screws. Each chamber is numbered from 1 to 6 and various other proofs and inspector marks are testament to the quality control involved in production. Most areas on the frame and cylinder still show factory finish and a blue shine. The serialized walnut grips are very fine with only minor dents/dings.

The cylinder, hammer, action, trigger, and various moving parts work perfectly still, as German products tend to. The mechanics work with hair splitting precision and tolerances; the interior shows no wear and a clean factory sheen. The rifling of the barrel is strong, shiny, and clean. The original lanyard ring is present.

An excellent work of mechanics and reliable single action sidearm for a quality collector.

No PAL required, 18+, Comes with FRT sheets

Ships Canada

I make no claims about the safety of firing ANY antique firearm. Check with a gunsmith first.

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Tags: Siamese, French, German, English, British, .41, .45, ACP, .455, Webley, Colt, Smith & Wesson, Remington