Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Around 5,000 Steyr Model 1911 pistols were manufactured in 1912-1913 on contract for the Chilean military. While nearly identical in design and operation to the Austrian Steyr M1912, the Chilean variants omitted Austrian proofs. Instead, they were marked with the Chilean crest between the slide wedge and serial number on the left side, as well as “MOD. 1911” by the date and “EJERCITO DE CHILE” (Chilean Army) on the right side. Like the M1912, the Model 1911 featured a short recoil rotating barrel system, internal non-removable 8-round magazine loaded via stripper clips, blade and notch sights, checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard ring on the magazine base. The Chilean pistols had consistent matching serial numbers across the slide, frame, and magazine base. Aside from the national markings differentiating it from Austrian production, the Model 1911 retained the Steyr’s unique internal design of a rotating locking barrel and top-loaded integral magazine.
“Produced in 1912 on contract for the Chilean government. Blade and notch sights with the government crest on the left side of the slide along with “STEYR 1912 MOD. 1911” and “EJERCITO DE CHILE” on the right. Matching serial numbers on the slide, frame and magazine base, with small proofs on several parts. Checkered walnut grips and a lanyard staple on the magazine base.”
Lot 449: Chilean Contract Steyr Model 1911 Semi-Automatic Pistol. (n.d.-m). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved June 11, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/47/449/chilean-contract-steyr-model-1911-semiautomatic-pistol.
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