Item:
ON1939

Original Imperial German M1879 Navy Issue Reichsrevolver by Suhl Consortium - Matching Serial 265

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers, and this is a rare Navy Issued example. 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Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879, was a service revolver used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.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.

Our Revolver bears all matching serial number 265, even on the inside of the grip scales and the small screws. It is a very rare German Navy issued revolver and has correct Navy characteristics. It is not dated and is marked with the Crown / FW proof on the butt, for German Emperor Wilhelm I, who used this cypher during his reign 1861-1888. There are also no regiment or unit marks, which is correct for the Navy issued revolvers.

Ours also has a rather dramatic Officer's Monogram, or set of initials, beautifully carved into the left side wood grip. Difficult to read, being in typical Imperial German GOTHIC letters, a combination of perhaps T, F and G? The grips are in excellent condition, though the metal work is worn, as expected for a gun of this age. However, condition is solid, and some portions of the frame have a good amount of the original plum colored finish. Bore is bright with clear lands and grooves, the loading gate works perfectly, and mechanically the action is very tight.

In full working order, very substantial and a great example of a solid German design. Ready to display.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1880
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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  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

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