Fact Check: The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated "Revolver m/1890".

The Claim: "The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated 'Revolver m/1890.'"

Introduction

The claim suggests that the Swedish army utilized a handgun known as the "Revolver m/1890" before the year 1900. This assertion invites scrutiny regarding the historical accuracy of the designation and the specific revolvers that were in service during that period in Sweden.

What We Know

1. Historical Context of Swedish Handguns: The Swedish military adopted various revolvers in the 19th century, including the m/1863 and m/1887 models. The m/1863 was based on the Lefaucheux design and was the first significant revolver adopted by the Swedish army 45. The m/1887 was a 6-shot double-action revolver that was also used by the Norwegian army 79.

2. Lack of Evidence for m/1890: There is limited documentation or references to a "Revolver m/1890" in credible sources. The revolvers that are well-documented include the m/1863 and m/1887, with no mention of a model designated as m/1890 in the available literature 457.

3. Swedish Military Handgun Development: The Swedish military's transition to modern handguns involved various models, but the m/1887 appears to be the last revolver adopted before 1900. The m/1887 was officially adopted in 1887, and there is no indication that a model designated m/1890 was introduced before the turn of the century 69.

Analysis

The claim about the "Revolver m/1890" lacks substantial support from credible historical sources. The most reliable sources on Swedish military firearms, such as the detailed historical accounts and databases, do not list an m/1890 revolver. Instead, they highlight the m/1863 and m/1887 as key models in the Swedish army's arsenal during the late 19th century.

1. Source Evaluation:

   • Wikipedia Articles: While Wikipedia can serve as a starting point for research, it is not always a reliable source due to its open-editing nature. The specific articles referenced do not substantiate the existence of an m/1890 revolver 123.
   • Specialized Firearms Websites: Sources like Gotavapen and VGCA provide more detailed historical accounts of Swedish firearms and are generally considered more reliable for this type of information 457. However, they also do not mention an m/1890 model.
   • Military Factory: This site provides a list of small arms from 1890 to 1899 but does not include any mention of a "Revolver m/1890" 10.

2. Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have a bias towards promoting specific narratives about military history or firearms, which could influence the presentation of information. However, the sources cited here primarily focus on factual historical accounts.

3. Methodological Concerns: The absence of evidence for the m/1890 revolver raises questions about the claim's validity. A thorough examination of military records, historical texts, and firearms catalogs from the period would be necessary to confirm or refute the existence of such a model.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated "Revolver m/1890" is false. The evidence indicates that the Swedish military primarily utilized the m/1863 and m/1887 revolvers during that period, with no credible documentation supporting the existence of a model designated as m/1890.

While the historical context of Swedish firearms is well-documented, the lack of references to the m/1890 in reliable sources suggests that this claim may stem from a misunderstanding or miscommunication regarding the actual models in service.

It is important to acknowledge that historical research can be complex, and new evidence may emerge that could alter our understanding. However, based on the current available evidence, the assertion of an m/1890 revolver lacks substantiation. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consult multiple sources when examining historical claims.

Sources

1. Swedish Mauser. Wikipedia. Link
2. List of revolvers. Wikipedia. Link
3. List of firearms before the 20th century. Wikipedia. Link
4. Swedish military pistols and revolvers 1863 - 1988. Gotavapen. Link
5. PDF Swedish Military Pistols & Revolvers. V.G.C.A. Link
6. SWEDISH NAGANT - Dates of Manufacture - Literature. Gunboards. Link
7. PDF THE SWEDISH m/1887 REVOLVER. V.G.C.A. Link
8. The Swedish pistol m/1907 or Browning M1903 i 9 mm Browning Long. Gotavapen. Link
9. The Guns of the Union (1814-1905). Svartkrutt.net. Link
10. Small Arms from 1890 to 1899. Military Factory. Link