Item:
ONJR23OL0219

Original Imperial German Adams / Webley Style .38 Colonial Service Revolver circa 1890 - Serial 588

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. Officially founded in 1871, the German Empire and its component kingdoms have never been really involved in the large scale formation of overseas colonies in the way that other European powers had been. This however changed in 1881 with the start of the "Scramble for Africa", and by 1884 Germany had amassed significant holdings in Africa and elsewhere. They then had the third largest Colonial empire, after only Britain and France. As with any empire, they needed armaments to keep order, however they did not need the same level of firepower as used in Europe, due to the local population having much less modern equipment.

Developed about the same time as the M-1883 Reichsrevolver is this German Colonial issue revolver, which we have sometimes heard referred to as a Model 1889 or Model 1892. We have not been able to find much information at all about it. Unlike the Reichsrevolver design, it is double action, and very much is made in the style of Adams and early Webley revolvers of the 1870s and 1880s.

The revolver is marked with serial number 376 on the bottom of the grip, underside of the barrel, cylinder arbor pin, cylinder rear, and swivel for the ejector. However, it is marked 588 on the grip frame under the grips, with another 67 next to it, and both wooden grips are marked in pencil with 588, with 67 at the top end. The rear of the cylinder, underside of the barrel near the frame, the loading gate, and the inside of the trigger guard are also marked with 67, the same assembly number on the frame and grips. We do not see any evidence that parts were swapped out, so this may just be how the manufacturer marked their pistols, with "376" being the "real" serial number, and other numbers for assembly. With the dearth of information on these revolvers, that was the best we could come up with.

Aside from the serial number, the only other markings on the revolver are two CROWN / CROWN / U proofs on the right side of the frame and on the barrel where they join, as well as on the side of the cylinder. This proof was used by Germany starting in the 1890s, and not used by any other country.

Overall condition is very good, with a lovely faded blued finish and faded gray patina on the part that were original bright steel. There are a few scattered areas of light peppering, but no major oxidation we can see. The wooden grips are in great shape, with no cracks and strong checkering, and the lanyard ring fitting on the bottom of the grip is still present, though the ring itself is missing. The revolver breaks down correctly, and cycles well in both single and double action. The bore is in very good condition, still mostly bright with crisp lands and grooves, and little signs of use.

A great example of a rare German revolver which is seldom seen on the market, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1890
Caliber: approx. 9mm / .38cal
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 3/8 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Double / Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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