Rating and value of Saint Étienne revolvers (French Army regulation sidearm)

If you own a Saint Étienne revolver, and would like to know its value, and if you don't know, the period and model of your weapon, our state-approved experts and auctioneers will offer you their appraisal services. Our specialists will carry out a free appraisal of your weapon, and provide you with a precise estimate of its value on today's market. Then, if you wish to sell your property, we'll guide you towards the best possible arrangement to obtain the optimum price.  

Rating and value of Saint Étienne revolvers    

Saint Étienne revolvers are highly sought-after by collectors. However, price differences can be considerable, depending on model and state of preservation. Nowadays, prices for these objects can rise considerably under the auctioneer's hammer. Buyers from all over the world are interested in the sale of certain rare pieces. The price at which they sell on the art market ranges from €150 to €1,800 at the moment, a substantial difference but one that says a lot about the value that can be attributed to these weapons. In 2021, a regulation Delvigne system revolver, centerfire, 11 gauge, sold for €1,200, whereas its estimate was between €500 and €600.

Order of value from a simple revolver to the most prestigious

A look back at the history of Saint Étienne revolvers

For several decades, the 1892 revolver was the standard sidearm of the French army. Manufactured at the Saint Étienne factory, it is most often referred to as the Saint Étienne revolver. The caliber is relatively small (8x27 millimeters). It operates both single-action and double-action. The cavalry, who used it extensively, oriented the barrel according to the desired use. The barrel is rifled (4 rifling marks) to give the bullet extra impetus. It was used with the new smokeless powder experimented by the Army at the beginning of the 20th century, but classic black powder was still used for a long time to come.

However, users of the Saint Étienne 1892 revolver soon realized that the weapon was not only not very effective, but also not very practical.

Like Savage revolvers, they have gradually become collector's items. Some Saint Étienne revolvers may require a category B license in order to be acquired at auction, a criterion to be taken into account by buyers.

These weapons are now rarely used. After this revolver, the French Army's standard sidearm was the MAS 1935 and the MAC 1950.

The success of Saint Étienne revolvers  

Saint Étienne revolvers are very popular at auction, as they are highly sought-after collector's items. Production was relatively consistent, as this was a weapon produced for the army, which explains why prices don't exceed €2,000. 

Reasons to auction an 1892 revolver  

If you own a Saint Étienne revolver, model 1892 or any other model, and you don't know how to sell it, auctions are a solution. Many collectors are looking for older models.

These objects are not just weapons, but a historical testimony to the scientific evolution of American weapons design.

Know the value of a Saint Étienne revolver   

If you happen to own a Saint Étienne revolver from any period and would like to know its value, don't hesitate to request a free appraisal using the form on our website. A member of our team of experts and certified auctioneers will contact you promptly to provide you with an estimate of the market value of your piece, as well as all the relevant information about it. If you wish to sell your property, our specialists will also be on hand to offer you alternatives for selling it at the best possible price, taking into account market trends.