Orbea Hermanos Tettoni 1916

The Model 1916 Revolver made by Orbea Hermanos Y Cia of Spain for the Italian Govenment during WWI. These open-top revolvers are chambered in 10-35 Millimeter. They are a copy of the Smith & Wesson Double Action 44 pistol. The left side of the frame is marked: F.Tettoni Brescia so many think that this revolver was made by Tettoni in Brescia but that is not true. Tettoni from Brescia was just an Italian importer of these revolvers that were made in Spain by Orbea Hermanos - please see the "OH" trademark on the grips and often on right side of the frame. The top of the barrel rib is marked Revolver Mod 1916 Cal 10-35. In 1916 Italy was short of guns, because of the Great War. What is certain is that the company "F. Tettoni" of Brescia ordered from the Orbea Hermanos many revolvers similar to the "Model 1914" already in production, but chambered for the caliber 10.35 mm. that was already used by many revolvers in Italy. The Model 1916 Revolver was never adopted by the Italian military but it was widley used by Italian officers in WWI. During the First War World, England, France and Italy bought pistols and revolvers from Eibar (Spain). England bought the calibre 455, France the 8 mm Lebel and Italy the 10,35 mm., the same as the Glisenti. The factory Orbea Hermanos was funded in 1840 and close its doors in 1926.