Chamelot-Delvigne 1873 Revolver

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	Weapon: Chamelot-Delvigne 1873 Revolver Type: Revolver Country of Origin: France Caliber: 11mm French Ordnance Action: Revolver

The Chamelot-Delvigne Model 1873 revolver was adopted by the French Army in 1873 as the first modern metallic-cartridge sidearm for French forces. Chambered in 11mm French Ordnance, it was a robust, double-action revolver with a solid frame and a six-round cylinder, providing significant stopping power for its era. Designed by Belgian gunsmiths Charles-Francois Galand and Henri-Chamelot, the Model 1873 became a standard-issue weapon for French military personnel, prized for its reliability and ease of use.

Between 1873 and 1887, around 335,000 units of the Model 1873 were produced at the St. Etienne Arsenal in France, making it widely available across French military branches. The revolver saw extensive service in French colonial campaigns and remained in use through World War I as a secondary or reserve weapon, even as more modern pistols became available. Although it began to show its age by the turn of the century, the Model 1873 remained popular due to its durability and effective performance in close-quarters combat.

The Chamelot-Delvigne 1873 revolver is often remembered as an iconic symbol of French military heritage, known for its robust construction and reliable functionality. Though lacking in rapid-fire capabilities compared to later revolvers and automatic pistols, its solid design made it a dependable firearm for decades. Today, the Model 1873 is highly regarded by collectors and military historians, valued for its historical importance as France's first metallic-cartridge military revolver and its significant role in late 19th- and early 20th-century conflicts.