Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers, with some great markings and even an original holster! 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Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879, was a service revolver used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.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 2557 on all major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 57 on the smaller parts. Even the inside of both grip scales is 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 1881 date on the left side of the frame in front of the cylinder, most likely when it was accepted into service.

There are various proof marks on most parts, was was standard for German issued weapons. It is also marked on the butt plate with the crossed out regimental designation 29. A. 5. 12., which should be for the 29th (2nd Württemberg) Field Artillery "Prince Regent Luitpold of Bavaria" Regiment, raised 24 March 1736 and Garrisoned in Ludwigsburg. This regiment was part of the XIII Army Corps. This was crossed out and replaced with 1. M. 29. 32., which is not a regiment that we recognize.

The grips are in very good condition, and the metalwork has a lovely faded patina, showing some light denting and wear on the exterior. The bore is in very good condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, showing just a bit of oxidation in areas. The loading gate is intact and fully functional. The revolver cycles wonderfully, with no issues to note.

The original holster included with the revolver is in very good service worn condition, showing a lot of wear and age from use. It looks to have a name and serial number of a USGI, who we assume brought it back home from WWI: BRYCE H. OWEN, 35576158. There also however appears to be a German regimental marking as well as a date! Definitely some great research potential here!

F. A. R. 74. 1. B.
1904

This most likely stands for the 74th (Torgau) Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Battery, in 1904. This regiment was raised 25 March 1899 and garrisoned in Torgau, Wittenberg, part of the IV Army Corps.

Aery substantial and a great example of a solid German design, made by a legendary maker and complete with an original holster. 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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