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Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879, was a service revolver used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.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. These are sometimes dated under the cylinder base pin release lever, however there is no date marking on this example. Our Revolver bears serial number 6232 on all major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 32 on the smaller parts. Even the inside of both grip scales is stamped with the full serial number! This is a very rare ALL MATCHING example, which did not have any parts swapped out during 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 regimental designation 2. R. A. 3. 35., for issue the 2nd Artillery regiment, reserve unit, as indicated by the stylized "R". There were several 2nd Regiments in the Imperial German army, so we are not able to identify which one this is. There is also a stamped out artillery regiment marking on the other side of the butt plate, but only the "A" is clear.

Cosmetically, the revolver is still in very good shape, with the original blued finish matured to a great plum patina, with some evidence of past peppered oxidation. We can see some denting in areas, so this is definitely a revolver that saw some real time carried in service. It is really a great representative example, with all parts present, and the only real issue being that the arbor pin lock has lost the tab to lock it in place. The grips are in very good condition, showing light to moderate wear from use, with some dents, small chips, and other wear. The original lanyard ring is still present on the bottom of the grip, and is in very nice shape.

The revolver functions well, with no mechanical deficiencies to note. It indexes perfectly with a strong cylinder lockup and crisp dry fire, and the safety is fully functional, able to be set in either the fully forward or loading positions on the hammer. It is however a bit loose due to wear on the interior of the action. The cylinder base pin can easily be removed when the lock is rotated down, allowing the cylinder to be removed for cleaning. The loading get is present and fully functional. We checked the bore, and it is in very good condition. showing a mostly bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There is a bit of wear, and some spots of past fouling and oxidation, now cleaned away. It looks like it only saw light use, and was relatively well maintained.

Very substantial and a great example of a solid German design. Ready to research and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1882
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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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 all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for 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 almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.