This is a rare example of an early Steyr/Mannlicher self-loading Model 1894 pistol, serial number "25A". This example is very unusual in that it has a fully blued barrel jacket with the full frame and side plate still in its original "in the white" finish from the factory. In actuality, this example could have been a test sample of some type in that the internal parts are not individually numbered like the earlier examples. Instead, the edge of the frame (under the side plate) is numbered "7" while the side plate is numbered "25" which matches the barrel and frame. Its interesting to note that we also have another one of these pistols, serial number 28 in this auction which has the same matching assembly numbers. This could have been a transitional Steyr Model 1894 in which the factory was changing from numbering all the internal parts to just hand fitting the internal parts (but not numbering them) with just the side plate numbered to the frame serial number. Who know; these early pistols are full of secrets. Regardless, these early Mannlicher pistols were all designed by Ferdinand von Mannlicher and were produced by the Austrian Steyr factory. Von Mannlicher was an exceptional early engineer and designer who teamed with the Steyr factory to produce all of his rifle and pistols from the late 1890s on. This example is actually one of the rare large frame pistols that has the internal magazine that is loaded through the top of the action via stripper clips. The other unique design feature is that the barrel actually slides forward during the firing/cycling of the pistol, hence the collector name of a "blow forward" pistol. Then when the barrel returns into battery (e.g. when the barrel is moving reward after firing), the barrel strips off and chambers a new cartridge from the internal magazine. It is also a double action mechanism with a rebounding hammer; i.e. when a cartridge is inside the chamber and with the hammer down, you just pull the trigger in the double action mode, just like pistols today. This is very unique for 1894. As noted, the left rear side of the barrel and frame are stamped with serial number "25". It has a rust blued finish on the barrel only with the complete frame and side plate still in the white. It is fitted with a set of checkered walnut grips.

Very fine with half of the metal surfaces (barrel sleeve) retaining 85% original blued finish and the entire frame in the white as noted and described above. The walnut grips are in very fine condition with nice, distinct checkering on the sides and only very minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very unique early Steyr Model 1894 semi-automatic pistol.