Dutch Service M1873 ? (Pics added)

[4b1t]

I am presently at work and the revolver is not in front of me, but I thought I would put out some feelers to see if there is any info on these.

I "think" I have a Dutch Service M1873 in 9.4 mm or a Belgian civilian copy. It is a Chamelot-Delvigne type design. It is in rough shape and I will post pics soonest.

It is presently registered as restricted, but I assume it can be deregistered as an antique.

My intent is to sell it, either as is or deregistered, as I have had it in the safe for 30 years, but I have no idea of the market value, given the lack of comparable examples.

Until pics are up, does anyone know anything about these beasts ?

 

[cyclone]

I do know that - unless the date is somehow marked on the revolver - finding out serial number information on Dutch revolvers can be an absolute pain.....

 

[4b1t]

Yes, absolutely agree, I don't recall a date thus my belief it may be a civilian Belgian, vice service revolver. I'll take a magnifying glass to it and post pics/details.

 

[Al Flipo]

Round barrel or hexagon barrel will determine if you have the new or old moder M.73, these guns were made by P. Stevens, Beaumont, and from 1886 by J.F.J. Bar.

 

[tokguy]

IIRC the brass for them is easily made with 30-30 win shells.
I saw one for sale on the EE quite some time ago but missed it. Pity they are supposed to be a tank.
I think the one I saw was at 600-700 in good shape

 

[4b1t]

Got it out of the safe and took a closer look, definitely 9.4mm, octagon barrel, double action.

Rough finish and grips appear to be some sort of horn ?

Chambers are nice and shiny and rifling is worn but not heavily pitted, just frosty.

4 digit serial number (matching) on underside of barrel and frame, trigger, hammer, sideplate and ejector rod housing.

No other visible markings/proofs, but they may be hidden/worn, or I am not looking in the right places.

 

[Al Flipo]

Royal Dutch East Indies Army service revolver model M1891
3754 were made by JFJ Bar and entered service in 1895 and a further 2200 guns were made by L Wittich in 1909.


Here is a web-side for these Dutch Guns and the history
http://www.coreden-sterling.co.uk/page04.html

 

[tiriaq]

.30-30 is a bit loose in a 9.4 Dutch chamber, and walls are very thick when it is shortened. Try .41 Magnum cases, fit might be better.

 

[green]

41 Magnum brass works great.
Read that Vickers made some or contracted for in the 1920s.

 

[scianna54]

pretty sure it is restricted and will stay like that, ugly gun in bad condition, so why bother anyways

 

[mooncoon]

9.4 dutch east indies shell can be made from shortened 41 mag brass necked down to take a .381 bullet. You need to slug the bore in that I think the bore can vary between .381 and .385"

cheers mooncoon