Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers! The M1879 and M1883 Reichsrevolvers, or Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger. The Model of 1879 was issued with a 7" 10.6mm x 25R mm Barrel, which sported a rather fancy ring to the muzzle. In 1883 they introduced a shorter barrel version that had only a 5" barrel, the M1883. Although the design was dated, the weapon was extremely robust, and they were still used through World War I. The M1879 is referred to as the "cavalry model" and the M1883 as the "officer's model," by collectors, which were not official designations.

These revolvers were single action only and were fitted with a robust safety lever on the left hand side of the frame, which functions differently depending on hammer position. If the hammer is in the fire position, the safety locks the hammer completely. If in the half-cock position, it locks the hammer there, facilitating reloading of the revolver or removal of the cylinder. They also have a very robust split ring on the bottom of the grip, for securing the revolver to the uniform.

There were made by various different makers, and this example is marked somewhat faintly with CROWN / ERFURT / 1895 on the left frame, indicating manufacture at the Imperial Arsenal in Erfurt Germany during 1895. This marking and many others have been highlighted in white to make them easier to see. Our Revolver also bears ALL MATCHING serial number 1205 on all major parts of the gun, even on the inside of the grip scales and the small screws (05). It is also marked with the caliber 10,55 on the left side of the barrel, and there are various proof marks on the different parts of the gun, including multiple German Imperial Eagle proofs.

The grip frame by the lanyard loop has a stamped out regimental marking, which we cannot read at all. There is another next to it, which reads 1. G. R. A. 2. 3., which we believe is for a reserve unit of the 1st Guards Field Artillery, first raised 29 February 1816 and garrisoned in Berlin. It has the stylized "R" used in the designation, and is the type of revolver we would expect to see used by an officer in an artillery regiment.

Cosmetically, the revolver is still in very good shape, with much of the original blued finish on the exterior still present, showing wear around the corners and muzzle, as well as some light denting in areas. There is some past peppering and rust on the sides of the barrel, which often indicates that it was stored in a holster, and the moisture for the leather caused corrosion. It looks to have seen light to moderate service, and is really a great representative example, with all parts still present. The grips are in very good condition, showing light to moderate wear from use, with some small dents and other wear, but no major damage. The original lanyard split ring is still present on the bottom of the grip, and is in very nice shape.

The revolver functions well, with no mechanical deficiencies to note. It indexes perfectly with a strong cylinder lockup and crisp dry fire, and the safety is fully functional, holding the hammer at the fully forward or safety positions when set. The cylinder base pin can be removed when the securing latch is pushed in from the right side, allowing the cylinder to be removed for cleaning. The loading gate is present and fully functional as well. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition. showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is a bit of wear, and some small spots of past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away. It looks like it only saw light use, and was relatively well maintained.

In full working order, very substantial and a great example of a solid German design with a great researchable regimental marking. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.