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HISTORY OF AUSTRIAN XYTHOS
The original Xythos Automatic revolver goes back to the late 1950's, being inspired by the Colt Python. Mr. Tschech, owner of Andres & Dworsky - a watch company, was an Austrian gun admirer and collector, and the first one to create the mini Xythos revolver we have today! Around 1959, a pre-production run of around 120 guns were made. Unlike the production models that followed, these pre-production sets had brown grips and were made with a silver-plated cylinder, a silver-plated cartridge ejector rod and a silver-plated accessories screw cap. There were about 30 sets of two distinct types: A Tie Bar/Cufflink set, and some of these were rejected as not being of good enough quality, many were given as promotional items or gifts, and as a consequence very few mint or complete sets survived.
Tschech had to hire special crews to assemble them when he received a request, because there was no mass production. These production versions have black grips, and the early ones have the distinctive 9 ridges on a swept up hammer. These production sets remained the same as the pre-production sets, with additional sets being made with an attachment for firing 9mm colored emergency flares. A future version was retooled with a front sight, and also comes in a wooden boxed set.
It is currently the only true 2mm 6 shot revolver, filling a niche, and has been for the past 40 years. It's predecessors, the early Belgium and German Pinfire Revolvers and the German made Kolibri 2mm Rimfire from the late 1940's early 1950's, were quite expensive in their day and are now very collectible. Over time the Xythos has become a highly desirable item for collectors, and early versions in good conditions are starting to garner respectable prices. Also making the pre-production models in demand for higher prices as well. There were 4 production versions of the Xythos. An all nickel finish, a half silver/half gold finish, and an all gold finish. The latest version from 1998/99 is finished in chromium plate. Brand new in the original box, includes threaded barrel and suppresor. This gun is classified under black powder regulations and does not require an FFL Dealer transfer. Don't miss out on this rare and unusual item. Item is valued between $300-$600
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