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 583 on the grip frame under the grips, with another 5 next to it. Both wooden grips are marked in pencil with 583, with 5 at the top end. Other components such as the underside of the barrel, cylinder arbor pin, cylinder rear, and swivel for the ejector are marked with 558 instead. We do not see any evidence that parts were swapped out, so this may just be how the manufacturer marked their pistols, with "5583" being the "real" serial number. 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. 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 blued finish and faded gray patina on the part that were original bright steel. There is a bit of oxidation on the muzzle crown of the barrel, most likely from contact with the leather holster. The wooden grips are in great shape, with no cracks and strong checkering, and the lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip is still present. The revolver breaks down correctly, and cycles well in both single and double action. The bore is in excellent condition, still bright with crisp lands and grooves, and little signs of use.
The included black leather holster is in very good condition, and very much looks like a scaled down .455 British Webley holster, with the angled top and wide flap.
A great example of a rare German revolver which is seldom seen on the market, complete with an original holster. 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
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is not available for international shipping.
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 most US States and most U.S. territories.
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 most addresses within the United States.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
