Rating and value of 1892 Saint Étienne revolvers (French Army regulation sidearm)

If you own a Saint Étienne revolver, and would like to know its value, as well as, if you don't know, the period and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services.

Our specialists will work to carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and will pass on to you an accurate estimate of its value on the current market.

Then, should you wish to sell your property, we will direct you to the best possible device to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of Saint Étienne revolvers    

Saint Étienne revolvers are sought-after items by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on the model and state of preservation.

Nowadays, prices for these objects can rise considerably at the auctioneer's gavel. Buyers from all over the world are interested in the sale of certain rare pieces.

The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €150 to €1,800, at the moment, a consequent discrepancy but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons.

In 2021, a Delvigne system, centerfire, 11-gauge regulation revolver sold for €1,200 while it was estimated at between €500 and €600. 

Order of value ranging from a simple order to the most prestigious

A look back at the history of Saint Étienne ordinance revolvers

The Model 1892 ordinance revolver, produced by the Saint Étienne factory, goes down in history as the regulation sidearm of the French army for several decades.

Commonly referred to as the "Saint Étienne revolver", it is distinguished by its 8x27 millimeter caliber, relatively modest, but sufficient for the military uses of the time. Capable of firing in both single and double action, it offered a certain flexibility, appreciated by troops, particularly cavalry, who adjusted the barrel according to their needs.

The barrel is rifled with four grooves, improving accuracy by conferring a stabilizing rotation to the bullet, which remains an important feature for the period.

The use of the new smokeless powder at the beginning of the 20th century marked a notable modernization of the weapon, although traditional black powder remained common.

Despite these advances, the 1892 revolver quickly met with criticism. Its caliber, judged too small, limited its effectiveness in combat. The military noted that it lacked shooting power and that its handling was not the most practical.

As a result, this revolver gradually fell into disuse, giving way to models better adapted to the new demands of the battlefield.

Like the Savage revolvers of the same period, Saint Étienne revolvers are now collector's items. Their rarity and link with military history make them prized objects for collectors.

For some models, a category B permit is required to acquire them at auction, a detail not to be overlooked by enthusiasts.

After the 1892 model, the French army successively adopted the MAS 1935 pistol, then the MAC 1950, more modern handguns that responded to evolutions in military tactics.

Today, Saint Étienne revolvers are almost no longer in use, but they retain a special aura for historical weapons enthusiasts.

A testament to a bygone era, these revolvers embody a transition between classic weaponry and the modernization of the French army, marking the beginning of a period when mechanical reliability and standardization became paramount for the armed forces.

Point Histoire : Le revolver 1892 pendant Verdun

In 1916, during the Battle of Verdun, the revolver 1892 plays an unexpected role at the heart of a decisive confrontation.

A group of French soldiers, under the command of Captain André Lemoine, are trapped in an advanced trench, having run out of ammunition for their Lebel rifles.

In the confusion, Lemoine grabs his 1892 revolver, recognizable by its 8 mm caliber and rifled barrel. Armed with this modest but reliable weapon, he leads a desperate charge to repel the dangerously approaching German troops.

With a rapid rate of fire thanks to his double-action mechanism, Lemoine manages to hit several opponents at close range. The precision of the shot, facilitated by the four-groove rifled barrel, compensates for the weapon's low power.

Encouraged by his audacity, his men follow him and, armed with their own 1892 revolvers, manage to repel the enemy assault.

This daring action ensures that the French position, a key strategic point in the battle, is maintained. The anecdote became famous among the poilus, transforming the 1892 revolver into a symbol of courage and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

Although often criticized for its low caliber, this episode shows that, wielded with determination, it could prove formidable in the most critical situations.

Scientific composition of Saint Étienne 1892 revolvers

The 1892 revolver, designed for the French army, stands out for its innovative technical design for the time.

Equipped with an 8 mm caliber, it features a double-action mechanism, which allows rapid firing without having to manually cock the hammer with each shot. This innovation simplifies use in close-combat situations, where speed is crucial.

The cylinder holds six cartridges, and it tilts sideways to the right for faster reloading, a notable feature for a revolver of this period.

The accuracy of the 1892 revolver rests largely on its rifled barrel, composed of four helical grooves.

This feature stabilizes the spinning bullet when fired, improving accuracy at short and medium ranges, despite the 8 mm caliber's relatively low power.

In fact, the barrel's design allows for a better trajectory of the projectile, partially compensating for the lack of power with high accuracy of shots.

The weapon's robust structure, made from high-quality steel, makes it durable and resistant to the harsh conditions encountered in the field. The 1892 revolver is also equipped with a mechanical safety, preventing accidental firing.

Its ergonomics are simple and functional: a wooden handle with grooves provides a good grip, even in wet or muddy conditions.

The 8 mm cartridge used in the revolver is specific to this model, designed for homogeneous powder combustion, ensuring a constant projectile exit velocity. Although this caliber is less powerful than other contemporary ammunition, it was chosen for its low recoil force, allowing better control of the weapon.

In addition, the double-action trigger system promotes a faster rate of fire, an essential feature in close combat.

In short, the 1892 revolver combines simplicity, reliability and precision in a design that prioritizes speed of action.

These characteristics make it an iconic handgun, still prized by collectors for its careful engineering and military history.

The value of buying and selling Saint Étienne revolvers at auction

Saint Étienne revolvers generate real interest among both sellers and buyers at auction. They are as prized as Savage Navy revolvers, Colt revolvers, or revolvers Smith & Wesson.

For sellers, these specialized sales offer a unique opportunity to address a passionate audience, often made up of collectors ready to invest in well-preserved historic models.

Auctions bring particular visibility to these weapons, which are not only pieces of military engineering, but also witnesses to landmark episodes such as the Battle of Verdun.

These are objects that tell a story, and this historical dimension contributes greatly to their value on the market.

For buyers, the auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic, sturdy weapon loaded with military significance.

These revolvers, often accompanied by certificates of authenticity and information about their past, become collector's items that bear witness to the ingenuity and resilience of the French armies.

In particular, the 1892 model, thanks to its role in critical moments of history, enjoys an almost legendary aura.

The opportunity to own a piece of military history, marked by famous anecdotes and battlefield usage, makes it a valuable and sought-after acquisition for antique arms enthusiasts.

To buy a Saint Étienne revolver is to plunge into the past and preserve a fragment of an era when these weapons were synonymous with courage and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

Knowing the value of a Saint Étienne revolver   

If you happen to own a Saint Étienne revolver, from any period, and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using our form on our website.

A member of our team of experts and licensed auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, not forgetting to send you ad hoc information about it.

If you wish to sell your property, you will also be accompanied by our specialists in order to benefit from alternatives to sell it at the best possible price, taking into account market inclinations.