^Lot 1557 ST. ETIENNE MLE 1874 DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH

SHOOTING AWARD PRESENTATION PLAQUE. Cal. 11mm. S# 16. Bbl. 4 3/8". Mle 1874 double action revolver mfg. by St. Etienne. Right side of the frame is marked "St. Etienne" below the cyl., with an upside down "S Etienne", followed by the coat of Arms of the City of Saint-Etienne marked at the breech (also marked between 1 of the cyl. flutes). Front face of cyl. is stamped with an apparent "LA MURE GIDROL" and with an "LG" proof (rpeated on interior of frame) indicating mfg. by Lamure et Gidrol for Manufacture D'Armes de St. Etienne (later known as Manufrance). Metal components exhibit a blue finish. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered hard rubber grips, featuring a lanyard swivel and ring on the butt. Left grip panel is inlaid with a plaque indicating presentation to "A. GALLET", which reads "OFFERT PAR LE MINISTRE DE LA GUERRE/ PRIX DE TIR" (PRESENTED BY THE MINISTER OF WARFARE/ SHOOTING PRIZE" above "A. GALLET" within a banner. Dovetailed blade front sight with integral frame V-notch rear sight. Interior of frame retains its simple, but ingenious mainspring tension lever. Apparent S# or assembly # "16" is marked on the frame (interior), frame sideplate screw, mainspring tension lever, trigger, cyl., cyl. base pin, ejector rod head, as well as on the interior of the grip panels. CONDITION: metal components retain traces of their original blue finish in protected areas, with the balance having faded to a mottled gray patina and exhibiting scattered spots/areas of light of mild pitting and surface oxidation overall. Bright bore, exhibiting consistent light pitting, while retaining strong rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Grips show smoothing, as well as scattered superficial marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sound. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (01-28597/MLW). ANTIQUE. $2,500-3,500.