Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers, with some great markings! 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Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879, was a service revolver used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.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 on the left side of the frame with:

GEBR. MAUSER & CIE
1880
OBENDORF

Gebrüder Mauser & Companie (Mauser Brothers & Co.) is one of several names used by the legendary Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory) Mauser in Oberndorf am Neckar, a city in the Freiburg region of the Grand Duchy of Baden. This is the company that developed the Model 1871 and 1871/84, and is one of the most well-known names in German Arms production, even to this day. The factory was founded by the sons of master gunsmith Andreas Mauser: Brothers Wilhelm and Peter Paul (called Paul) Mauser. Wilhelm had assisted his father for years when he was ill, and had great knowledge and ability regarding finances and management. Younger brother Paul was a genius gunsmith, who showed an outstanding ability to develop methods of operation that were faster and more efficient. He also was somewhat unique in his ability to design and produce firearms as well as the ammunition for them, which followed during his entire career.

Our Revolver bears serial number 1379 on all major parts of the revolver including the cylinder and arbor pin, with shortened number 79 on the smaller parts. Even the inside of the grip scales and the escutcheons are marked with the full serial number! This is a very rare ALL MATCHING example, which did not have any parts swapped out during service. There is also an 1882 date on the left side of the frame in front of the cylinder, most likely when it was accepted into service. The 10,6 marking on the barrel indicates the 10.6mm caliber.

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 B. 2. A. E. 2. 21, for the Bavarian 2nd Artillery Ersatz (Replacement) Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 21st Weapon. There is also a Crown over L proof for Ludwig II of Bavaria, often called the "Swan King" or "The Fairy Tail King." He reigned from 1864 until his very suspicious death in 1886. Often we see these with multiple crossed out regiments, but this revolver looks to only have been issued once.

The grips are in very good condition, having been cleaned and varnished in the past. One even has some great figuring to the grain. The metalwork has a lovely faded patina, showing some light denting and wear on the exterior. The loading gate is intact and fully functional. The revolver cycles wonderfully, with no issues to note.

The bore is in good condition, however two inches from the muzzle there is a bulge and ring inside from a stuck bullet. This is no doubt why this spectacular example has remained in such fine condition overall. NO ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO FIRE THIS REVOLVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Very substantial and a very nice example of a solid German design, made by a legendary maker during the FIRST YEAR of production. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 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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