Chamelot 1873 Colonial Revolver, manufactured in 1876. This 1873 Colonial revolver is very rare. Revolvers of this type, with bronzed finishes, were used in the French Colonies. They were often used in French Guiana and elsewhere, such as in Africa, and were frequently blued to protect against the climate, humidity, and heat. A shiny weapon could betray the user's position or dazzle the shooter when aiming in strong sunlight; therefore, the chrome plating was removed and a matte phosphate bluing or a black finish was applied. Information on this type of weapon is not readily available in the archives. According to the National Archives, the 1873 blued revolvers were not registered at the Arsenal, but by a gunsmith, and approximately 567 examples with a black finish were produced for the French colonies. This 1873 model is therefore bronzed, like the 1874 officer's model, but its frame is solid and much more robust, designed to withstand heavier loads than the 1874. The bore is mirror-bright, as you can see in the last two photos on the left side of the barrel end, and also on the frame. See the last photo; there is no play, the indexing is perfect, the trigger is very smooth, and it shoots straight and accurately. The markings are deep and legible. Matching serial numbers.
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Category D collectible firearms are shipped only within the EU, in accordance with applicable legislation.
Weapon classified in category D2 § e by decree no. 2018-542 of June 29, 2018. Purchase and possession unrestricted by adults 18+. Pre-1900 model.
