Austro-Hungarian WWI M1907 Roth-Steyr Semi-Automatic Pistol

Austro-Hungarian WWI M1907 Roth-Steyr Semi-Automatic Pistol

Austro-Hungarian WWI M1907 Roth-Steyr Semi-Automatic Pistol, manufactured in 1910 and chambered in the proprietary 8mm Steyr cartridge.  NRA Excellent with 95% original blued finish; has a few age discolorations on the serial number side of the frame, but very nice overall.  Bore is excellent with strong rifling.  Diagonally ribbed wood grips show normal light wear.  Frame side has serial number "43131", and the barrel legend indicates manufacture by Österreichische Waffenfabrik (Steyr).  Action remains good and tight.  Excellent example!  Rear of the frame is marked with manufacture date "W.n/eagle/10".

This pistol was adopted by the Austro-Hungarian Army in 1907 and manufactured by Osterreichische Waffenfabrik-Ges in Steyr, Austria, from 1907 to 1914, with approximately 70% of the production handled by Österreichische Waffenfabrik in Steyr, and the remainder in Budapest by Fegyvergyár.  The Roth-Steyr M1907 was a technological milestone as the first semi-automatic pistol widely adopted by a major military, specifically the Austro-Hungarian cavalry. Its advanced rotary-barrel locking system and striker-fired trigger mechanism enhanced safety and reliability, features crucial for mounted troops. The M1907’s integral 10-round magazine was loaded by stripper clips, streamlining reloading compared to earlier sidearms, though its fixed magazine slowed the process in combat. Chambered for the 8mm Roth cartridge, the pistol was robust and dependable in harsh field conditions, but its heavy trigger pull and moderate stopping power were considered drawbacks. Despite these limitations, the Roth-Steyr served extensively throughout the First World War and remained in use into the interwar period, marking a significant step in military handgun evolution.

$800 - $1000