Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive and exceptionally scarce Second Pattern Mauser Construktion 1878 revolver, commonly known to collectors as the C78 “Zig-Zag” because of the distinctive angled cam grooves machined around the cylinder.

The C78 holds an important place in Mauser history as Paul Mauser’s first handgun design and the only revolver developed by the firm. Created for consideration during German military handgun trials, it represents one of the more mechanically ambitious revolver designs of the late 19th century and predates Mauser’s later success with the C96 automatic pistol.

Rather than using the conventional ratchet teeth found at the rear of most revolver cylinders, the C78 employs a projecting stud that travels through the zig-zag channel cut into the exterior of the cylinder. As the hammer is cocked, the stud follows the angled groove and rotates the cylinder into position for the next shot.

This unusual arrangement is the source of the familiar “Zig-Zag” nickname and gives the C78 one of the most immediately recognizable profiles of any early European revolver.

Similar cam groove concepts had appeared on a limited number of earlier American firearms, but Mauser developed the system into a distinct military and commercial revolver design. In practical service, however, the mechanism was more complicated and expensive to manufacture than a conventional ratchet driven cylinder.

The C78 was ultimately not adopted as the standard German military revolver, with the simpler Model 1879 Reichsrevolver becoming the official service pattern instead.

Although it failed to secure a major military contract, the Mauser remained available commercially. Examples were produced in a number of calibers, including the substantial 10.6×25mmR cartridge used by the Reichsrevolver.

This example is the especially interesting Second Pattern, distinguished by its hinged frame and simultaneous extraction system.

The earlier First Pattern used a solid frame and side loading gate, with spent cases removed individually. On the Second Pattern, Mauser substantially redesigned the system so that the barrel, cylinder, and forward portion of the frame pivot upward on a hinge at the rear.

This allows the cylinder to remain attached to the revolver while exposing all six chambers for loading.

A three position control lever on the left side of the frame performs several functions. In the normal position, the revolver may be cocked and fired. In the central position, the lever acts as a safety by locking the cylinder and preventing the action from being cocked. In the alternate position, it releases the hinged frame and allows the extraction system to operate.

When the frame is opened and the control is moved farther, the extractor rises to withdraw the cartridge cases and then returns when the lever is released.

The system is highly ingenious, though considerably more complicated than the simpler break top revolvers being produced by firms such as Smith & Wesson.

The revolver otherwise functions as a conventional single action handgun, requiring the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot.

Because the mainspring is housed inside the frame rather than in the grip, a spring rod projects visibly from the front of the action when the hammer is cocked.

A second lever near the hammer retains the hammer axis pin. On the earlier First Pattern this lever also served a safety function, but on the Second Pattern its role is limited to retaining the pin.

The top of the barrel is marked:

GEBR. MAUSER & CIE OBERNDORF A/N. WÜRTTEMBERG. 1878. PATENT

The inscription is somewhat faint because the revolver appears to have been refinished, most likely during the early 20th century. The metal surfaces were polished before the blue finish was renewed, softening portions of the original factory marking.

Serial number:

731

is marked on the rear of the cylinder and on the upper surface of the lower frame where it engages the hinged forward assembly.

Both grip panels are marked internally:

544 / M

These markings do not match the revolver’s serial number. They may indicate that the grips were replaced at some point, although they could also represent internal assembly or inventory markings. Without additional documentation, the reason for the discrepancy cannot be determined with certainty.

The revolver remains in very good overall cosmetic condition. A substantial amount of the older restored blue finish is still present, with expected wear along the muzzle, edges, and other exposed surfaces.

There is scattered oxidation and age related surface wear, but the revolver presents very well overall and retains an even, attractive appearance.

The grips remain in excellent condition with only light handling wear and no major cracks, chips, or missing sections.

The original lanyard ring is still present at the base of the grip and remains in very good condition.

Mechanically, the revolver functions very well. The cylinder indexes correctly, lockup is strong, and the single action release is crisp.

The combined safety and frame locking lever operates properly, although the center safety position does not have a particularly strong detent.

The hinged frame opens easily when unlocked, and the extractor rises and returns correctly when the control lever is operated.

The bore is in very good condition, remaining mostly bright with strong, well defined lands and grooves. There are scattered areas of light oxidation, but the rifling is still sharp and appears to have seen relatively limited firing.

The C78 is one of the most mechanically fascinating firearms ever produced by Mauser. Its external zig-zag cylinder indexing system, hinged loading arrangement, extractor, and multi function controls show the willingness of Paul Mauser and the Oberndorf firm to pursue unconventional mechanical solutions during the formative years of repeating handgun design.

Second Pattern examples are especially desirable because they combine the signature zig-zag cylinder with the unusual break open frame and simultaneous extraction mechanism.

With its low serial number, strong mechanical condition, excellent bore, complete controls, original lanyard ring, and substantial 10.6mm chambering, this is an outstanding representative example of Paul Mauser’s first handgun and Mauser’s only revolver design.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1886
Manufacturer: Gebrüder Mauser & Cie., Oberndorf am Neckar
Model: Construktion 1878 Second Pattern C78
Serial Number: 731
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 1/2 Inches
Overall Length: 11 Inches
Action: Single Action
Capacity: 6 Rounds

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