Original Antique Dutch Model 1894 KNIL Colonial Military Issue Revolver with Damaged Grips – Serial 5660 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. The right side of the frame in front of the cylinder is marked with a CROWN / W marking, for Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who reigned 23 November 1890 – 4 September 1948

There is definitely variation among these revolvers regarding where the serial number is located, and this example has serial 5660 stamped on the right side of the grip support under the grip, on the mainspring, on the left side of the cylinder arbor pin, and on the bottom of the barrel under the arbor pin. The trigger looks to have a shortened version of this, however the revolver came with two damaged grip scales, which are correct but not matching, both marked 382. These are also missing the grip screw, so one would need to be made for them to stay attached. This revolver probably was in use for a long time, so other parts may have been swapped.

The finish is in good condition, with the original bluing fairly well retained on the cylinder and barrel, while the frame and area near the grip is more worn. 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 screw on the left side of the frame that holds the arbor pin in place has had the head shear off, so it cannot be removed at present. The bore shows clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of light fouling and oxidation. The grip scale 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, now repaired. The grip screw escutcheons are present but oxidized, and the grip screw is missing.

A very nice example of this last Dutch Colonial Revolver from the end of the reign of Queen Victoria. Ready to research and display.

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1894-1897
Caliber: 9.4mm Dutch Revolver Black Powder
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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