Original Antique Swedish M/1887 7.5mm Nagant Revolver by Husqvarna in Period Leather Holster – Serial 1499 made in 1898 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is something we have not had before, and it is definitely a bit of an oddity, being chambered for the very small 7.5mm Nagant cartridge, originally in black powder. This is a lovely Swedish M/1887 Service revolver, complete with it’s original brown pebble grain Swedish marked holster. The revolver was designed by Leon Nagant in Belgium and manufactured under license by Husqvarna in Sweden during the end of the 19th Century. The design is similar to other revolvers of the period, bearing a resemblance to the French MAS 1873 lineage in form, though in this case the ejector rod is stored inside the cylinder arbor pin, like some British revolvers of the time. The design works in both Double and Single action, though it did have some deficiencies that were later rectified.

One of these was the lack of any cylinder lock when the revolver hammer was all the way forward, which is definitely how this example is set up, as the modifications to rectify it would not be introduced until the 20th century. Manufactured with a blued body and frame, with case hardened small components, this revolver still bears the original patent and serial number information on the left side of the frame in front of the cylinder:

BREVET
NAGANT
1499
JB

It is also marked with serial number 1499 on the barrel, ejector, cylinder, and other components, so it is definitely an “ALL MATCHING” example, with no major parts swapped out during service. The cylinder is marked on the back with the E / L G / * in an Oval proof mark from Liège, Belgium, so it does look like some parts were fabricated by Nagant, and then shipped to HUSQVARNA for final assembly. We checked the arsenal records, and 5,400 revolvers were delivered to the Swedish Military in 1898, so this example is definitely a pre-1899 antique. Total production was 14,000 revolvers between 1897 and 1905.

The revolver is further marked on the right side of the frame with L No 9334 / A, which is a Landstormen rack number, added years after the revolver was manufactured. These numbers have no relation to the serial number, simply where and when they were cataloged years after being made.

Condition is very good, showing much of the original finish, and some refinishing on the right side where the rack number was added. There may have been additional reconditioning while it was in service, as we can see a bit of a rough surface in areas under the heavy blued finish. The checkered grips are in very good shape, with no cracks or chunks missing.

The revolver functions well in both single and double action, with no mechanical deficiencies to note. The ejector works great, and the loading gate is fully functional. The revolver breaks down correctly into components for cleaning and servicing. We checked the bore, and it’s in very good shape, showing clear lands and grooves with a bright finish, and just a bit of past oxidation in areas.

The included holster is lovely, with a great matured chest nut color to the leather, and is marked CROWN / T. 6. on the front flap, which we do not know the significance of. It still retains the 6 cartridge loops under the flap, and the front closure still works well, though the pull strap underneath is a bit delicate.

A lovely example of a late 19th century European Service revolver, complete with holster and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber: .7.5mm Nagant
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 9 1/4 inches
Action: Single / Double Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver