Original Antique Dutch Model 1894 KNIL Colonial Military Issue Revolver in 9.4mm Black Powder Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Specifically developed by the Dutch Army, this is a nice example the Model 1894 9.4mm Double Action Revolver for use in the their Far East Colonies, now known as Indonesia. Like all European powers, their grip was loosening with changing times at the end of the Victorian era. Within the following 50 years most Colonies had received or were about to gain their independence. Today the Country we knew as Holland is referred to as the Netherlands and after WWII Colonialism was a thing of the past.

However, during this period they still maintained the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (Koninklijk Nederlands Indisch Leger or KNIL) well into the 20th century. As they would ensure that the colonial forces were not equipped with the latest weapons, they were still using designs from the mid 1890s for most of this period, such as these 9.4mm black powder revolvers.

This revolver does not have a serial number in the usual place on the lower left front of the frame, but does bear production number 2864 on the Trigger, Mainspring, Cylinder, Barrel arbor pin, under the barrel, on the ejector, and on the bottom of the frame barrel bushing. There also are numbers 50 and 31 stamped in various locations, so it might be possible that these are the serial number, or just other assembly numbers. This revolver probably was in use for a long time, so parts may have been swapped extensivesly.

The finish is in very good condition, though we suspect it may be an arsenal refinish. There are proof marks on various parts of the revolver, which would definitely make a great research project. The revolver functions well in both single and double action, with no issues to note. The loading gate is present and functional, as is the ejector rod. The bore shows clear lands and grooves and a bright finish, with little sign of oxidation or fouling. The grip shows the most wear on the revolver, due to the tropical climate, which was very hard on wooden components. The checkering is partly worn away, and there is some cracking along the edges. The grip screws and escutcheons show past oxidation, now removed.

A fine example of this last Dutch Colonial Revolver from the end of the reign of Queen Victoria. Fully cleaned and ready to display.

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1894-1897
Caliber: 9.4mm Dutch Revolver
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 3/8 inches
Overall Length:8 3/4 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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