Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers, and this example actually looks to have been brought home by a USGI after WWII! While we doubt that it saw actual service, there were numerous old guns brought home following the conflict, and this example is marked GERMANY 1945 on the inside of the right grip scale. We unfortunately do not have any information on where it was found and who brought it back, but it definitely adds to this lovely piece!

The M1879 Reichsrevolver, or Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879, was a service revolver used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.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 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 S & S. V.C.S. C.G.H over SUHL. This is the marking of the Suhl consortium of arms makers consisting of Spangenberg & Sauer, V.C Schilling & Cie and C.G. Haenel & Cie, who supplied Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony. These are sometimes dated under the cylinder base pin release lever, however there is no date marking on this example.

Our Revolver bears serial number 6885 on many all parts of the revolver, with shortened number 85 on the smaller parts. The insides of the grips are however marked with 8553, with 53 on the fittings for the retaining screw. Parts were commonly swapped out at arsenal, particularly easily damaged ones such as grips. The cylinder arbor pin is definitely not matching, as it is a fabricated replacement, and the latch for the pin is gone as well, replaced by a simple long screw. We do not know if these alterations occurred before or after it was brought back to the U.S..

There are various proof marks on most parts, was was standard for German issued weapons. It is also marked on the butt plate with regimental designation G. R. U. 3. 10, which we believe is for issue to a Reserve Garde-Ulanen (Guards Uhlan) regiment. The stylized "R" is what signifies that it is a reserve unit, and there were three different Guards Uhlan regiments, so we do not know if this is a reserve formation of the 3rd, or just a general reserve regiment. Definitely some nice research potential here!

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. It looks to have seen only light 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 dents, small chips, and other wear. The original lanyard 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, allowing only movement to the loading position on the tumbler when set. The cylinder base pin can easily be removed when the replaced screw is taken out, allowing the cylinder to be removed for cleaning. The loading get is present and fully functional. We checked the bore, and it is in excellent condition. showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is just a bit of past oxidation, so it looks to have seen light use, and was well cared for.

Very substantial and a great example of a solid German design. This is a revolver with a very interesting history! Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1882
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 7 inches
Overall Length: 14 inches
Action: Single Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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