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Montenegrin Gasser Belgian .44-40 from Mexican Revolution!
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SELLER NAME |
Rod Casteel
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| SELLER STOCK # |
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| CATEGORY |
Curios
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| CONDITION |
Used - See Item Description. |
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Price:
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$550.00
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Leopold Gasser of Vienna and St. Polten operated 2 factories which produced approx. 100,000 revolvers annually from the 1880's to the 1890's. These were widely distributed through central Europe and the Balkans and were used by the Austro-Hungarian Army. Most common type was the "Montenegrin-Gasser". After 1903, the company became Rast & Gasser until about 1912, when they went out of business. The "Montenegrin Gasser" revolvers were large-frame, large caliber, with 6-shot cylinders, usually in 11 mm. The first Model was the M1870. Subsequent "Montenegrins" featured minor changes in the original design and later models featured hinged-frame construction with Galand cylinder locks and self-extracting mechanisms like the one shown. It is a double-action revolver of some size, weighing in at 2 lbs., 13 oz.! They were produced by Gasser and a number of other fine Austrian and Belgian makers. King Nicholas of Montenegro is said to have owned a financial interest in the manufacture of the "Montenegrin-Gasser" style revolvers and that he made ownership of these revolvers mandatory for his male subjects. Today, they are very rare. I have seen only 3 in movies: MGM's 1952 "Prisoner of Zenda" (and mine looks identical to THAT particular revolver, including the fact that it has a weak trigger return spring). And Warren Beatty used a Montenegrin-Gasser revolver in the film "McCabe and Mrs. Miller". One also appeared in the recent film "The Illusionist".
Around 1910, the owner of Alfa Arms sold a sizeable shipment of these guns to Pancho Villa and his Mexican revolutionaries. the barrels were changed on these particular guns, so they would fire .44-40 ammunition. He made a fortune in profits as Villa was able to afford them. In fact, this gun is very much associated with the Mexican Revolution and is instantly recognizable by its unique look. This particular (auction) gun is one of those that went to the Mexican Revolution. It was really THERE! Mechanically, it is still almost perfect, except that 2 chambers don't quite index and the trigger return spring is weak. The real bone grips are still in fine shape. No chips, still sturdy and strong. Finish has a nice honest patina. How can you tell it is a survivor of the Mexican Revolution? Because the barrel is stamped "For 44 Winchester Cartridge" (which is a .44-40 caliber). On the top of the frame, it reads only "Belgium". This gun is literally "wearing its history" and this is as fine a specimen as you're likely to find. Very RARE today!. I don't know if the REWARD poster is an original or a copy, but a paper expert told me that it is printed on real wheat-colored parchment which is what was often used on real antique "Wanted" posters. I put it in a plain (new) wooden frame and is included with the gun. It would look great on a den wall! Buyer pays $20. shipping & ins. in Lower 48. Payment must be received within 7 days from close of auction. This gun is an ANTIQUE and is FFL exempt, so is legal to ship direct to buyer. certified check or money order only. Will ship only within the U.S.A. For more PICTURES, email . Thanks.
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