1873 Dutch Army Revo]lver M.73 NM [New Model]

[ARMARIN]

1873 Dutch Army Revolver M.73 NM [New Model]





Dutch M.1873 OM Army Revolver
Cal. 9.4 mm centerfire
Large frame Dutch army revolver in 9.4 mm caliber. The revolver was adopted by Dutch army in 1873 and was manufactured by several Dutch gun makers. This particular revolver was manufactured by Werkplaatsen voor Draagbare Wapenen in Hembrug, as indicated by markings on the right side of the frame, "W.D.W" (in the oval). The "W.D.W" marked Dutch M. 1873 Old Model revolvers are quite scarce. They were manufactured from 1897 to 1898. Only 728 of such revolvers were manufactured by this maker in Hembrug. The "Old Model" revolvers had an octagonal barrel and a serial number with no prefix (as opposed to "New Model" revolvers, that had a round barrel and a letter prefix in front of the serial number). The serial number is stamped on the left side of the barrel, close to the frame.



Look at the picture: Is this a revolver for lefthand shooters? The loading gate is on the right side of the revolver. Yes the soldier was holding his revolver in the left hand and a sabre in his right hand. It was 1873 and sabres were more important then the revolvers. Loading was done with the right hand.