Today for Gus’ Gear I have another French revolver. France turned to the Eibar region of Spain to acquire hand guns needed in the conflict. This is an example of one of the many models produced there.
This is an example of the Spanish made Model 92 revolver, chambered for the 8x27mm French ordnance cartridge. This revolver is a copy of a Smith & Wesson 1905 Hand Ejector model with a few modifications to accommodate the French requirements. Along with the French chambering, they also added a lanyard ring in the butt and a wider hammer tang for easier use. The revolver has a six shot, swing out cylinder and is double and single action. The holster is a simplified model manufactured during the war, it has three large pockets under the flap to hold packages of cartridges.
The quality of manufacturing on this revolver is some of the best I have seen on Eibar produced weapons. This revolver was manufactured in Trocaola, Aranzabal y Compania.
This photo shows how the pockets are situated under the flap, for spare cartridges. The dimensions of the revolver are the same as the French produced Model 1892 allowing the same holsters to be used.
The cylinder release is just below the hammer on the left side of the revolver. Field stripping is not needed for maintenance of this weapon, by swinging the cylinder out, the barrel and cylinder can be easily cleaned. By the time this revolver saw service, the ammunition was smokeless powder. The primers were still corrosive and made it necessary for the weapon to be cleaned after firing to avoid damage by the salt residue.