Absolut
Senior Member
The attached shown Steyr M.1912 pistol has at least four interesting details to point out:
1. The parts were originally manufactured in 1919, so post WWI. Many of these ended up in Czech hands - this one didn't. It wasn't finished and therefore also not proofed in 1919.
2. This particular pistol was made by Steyr in 1935 per an order of the Austrian Police for a total of 1000 guns. The serial numbers were started at 1000, leftover parts were used. The serial number was followed by a very small Steyr logo. It is not known but believed that the order was never fullfilled an less guns than ordered were made.
3. After Austria became Part of Germany this pistol was 08 reworked, meaning the caliber was changed from 9mm Steyr to 9mm Luger. From this period this pistol has both the German firing proof, as well as the Eagle L Police acceptance stamp on the right side of the receiver.
4. Post WWII this pistol came into Police possession a third time. This is noticeable by the LGK NÖ (LandesGendarmerieKommando Niederösterreich) stamp on bottom swivel on the right side. Interestingly the other three pistols with the identical above history of them also have the LGK NÖ stamp on them. It would make one assume these pistols might had been in service with the Police in Niederösterreich already from 1935 on, and their service continued post WWII.
It is refinished, most possibly by the Police post WWII. This was a common practice and part of its history. The only one I am aware of that wasn't reworked is so heavily rust pitted that they surely must had decided to sell it because if someone wanted to refinish it, no markings would had been left. The picture also shows a lot of oil on it, visible by the miscolorations. Also the yellow reflections were due to the background when taking these pictures.
Finally, a detail I wanted to point out: the swivel on bottom on the left side has the pistols serial number on it. This is supposed to be the Police Inventory number from post WWII service. Note the different font. I have never before seen a "matching number" on this place, but I assume this is because with many others they rebuilt the guns so often that parts got mixed up and this one must had kept its original matching swivel.
1. The parts were originally manufactured in 1919, so post WWI. Many of these ended up in Czech hands - this one didn't. It wasn't finished and therefore also not proofed in 1919.
2. This particular pistol was made by Steyr in 1935 per an order of the Austrian Police for a total of 1000 guns. The serial numbers were started at 1000, leftover parts were used. The serial number was followed by a very small Steyr logo. It is not known but believed that the order was never fullfilled an less guns than ordered were made.
3. After Austria became Part of Germany this pistol was 08 reworked, meaning the caliber was changed from 9mm Steyr to 9mm Luger. From this period this pistol has both the German firing proof, as well as the Eagle L Police acceptance stamp on the right side of the receiver.
4. Post WWII this pistol came into Police possession a third time. This is noticeable by the LGK NÖ (LandesGendarmerieKommando Niederösterreich) stamp on bottom swivel on the right side. Interestingly the other three pistols with the identical above history of them also have the LGK NÖ stamp on them. It would make one assume these pistols might had been in service with the Police in Niederösterreich already from 1935 on, and their service continued post WWII.
It is refinished, most possibly by the Police post WWII. This was a common practice and part of its history. The only one I am aware of that wasn't reworked is so heavily rust pitted that they surely must had decided to sell it because if someone wanted to refinish it, no markings would had been left. The picture also shows a lot of oil on it, visible by the miscolorations. Also the yellow reflections were due to the background when taking these pictures.
Finally, a detail I wanted to point out: the swivel on bottom on the left side has the pistols serial number on it. This is supposed to be the Police Inventory number from post WWII service. Note the different font. I have never before seen a "matching number" on this place, but I assume this is because with many others they rebuilt the guns so often that parts got mixed up and this one must had kept its original matching swivel.
