Outwardly, the Mannlicher Model 1900 sported a thin frame with her barrel protruding passed the receiver. The weapon was light at 2lbs and fit well in the average hand. The pistol grip was thin and slightly ergonomic with a vertical grip pattern and open loop at the base. The trigger was set within an oval trigger guard. There was a slight prawl atop the handgrip at the rear and the hammer was slightly visible above the prawl. Well-built, the Mannlicher Model 1900 as a series sported a most distinct outward design.
Design of this Mannlicher product began in 1900 and early forms featured slightly ever-changing details in the search for ultimate handgun perfection. Of note to these originating models was the revision of the rear sight, moved from above the chamber to the back of the slide to create a longer sight radius for the user and expand the capabilities of the weapon. Early production examples were delivered from Von Dreyse out of Sommerda and were marked as such. Production out of Steyr (Osterreichische Waffenfabrik-Gesell-schaft) did not begin until 1901, handing the Mannlicher pistol its more well-known mark of "Model 1901". Production lasted until 1905 - of which some 10,000 examples were ultimately delivered - and led to the next notable mark, the Model 1905. The Argentine Army became a recipient of the Model 1905 and these examples were clearly marked with the designation of "Md 1905" and the Argentine crest to signify their ultimate destination.
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