ANTIQUE (no PAL) Pristine Ornate French Chamelot-Delvigne Model 1874 Officer's Revolver - 11mm / .44 Russian, Circa 1880s

Fine private-market officer's revolver built to the MAS St. Etienne 1874 pattern, retailer-stamped "CHAMELOT & DELVIGNE" on the left barrel flat. Same double-action system France adopted as its M1873/1874 service revolver from St. Etienne, but built for the officer's private market with a far higher grade of finish and ornamentation. Circa 1880s manufacture, pre-1898 antique - no PAL, no registration, 18+. Chambered in the original 11mm French ordnance round, the cylinder also happens to share close dimensions with .44 Russian, a coincidence of case dimension rather than a factory offering, and can be rechambered by a gunsmith to .45 ACP, .45 Auto Rim, or .455 Webley for $350. 

Mechanics are phenomenal. 5 3/8" barrel, bright crisp bore, strong original rifling. Double and single-action. The hammer, trigger, cylinder indexing, lockup, and rod ejector all function as intended, tight and smooth with no play. If you cock single action very fast the cylinder can bind up. Side panel opens tool-less for full access to the internal mechanism, clean and bright with no wear or corrosion.

Visually this one is Excellent. Rich, dark original blueing on the major surfaces with straw-finished small parts, knurling strong and sharp on every steel component. The ornate tool-less access side panel shows internals in mint shape. Checkered hardwood grips are completely untouched, clean unworn edges.

The Chamelot-Delvigne action was one of the first true double-action systems adopted for military service, fielded by France from the 1870s and widely copied across Europe. Standard-issue guns were plain; private officers commissioned finer examples like this one, and the finish here reflects that pedigree.

A strong piece for the collector drawn to early double-action history, and equally appealing to the shooter who wants a genuinely usable antique.

Buy with confidence - I don't like drama so I offer a 3-day non-firing inspection period after delivery for money back guarantee if your item is not as expected.
No PAL, 18+, comes with FRT antique page, ships Canada
French clamshell holster with 12-round ammo pouch available for $162.75. Rechambering service to .45 ACP, .45 Auto Rim, or .455 Webley available for $350.
I give no legal advice, and make no claims about the safety of ANY antique. Know the laws and consult a gunsmith.
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