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Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879, was a service revolver used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.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 4670 on almost all parts of the revolver, with shortened number 70 on the smaller parts. Only the left grip scale, marked with serial 9584, is non-matching, making this a very nice "Mostly Matching" example. Parts swapping was typical for revolvers in service, and this example probably suffered a broken left grip, which was swapped for another at arsenal. The fitting has the correct 70 marking, so it was transplanted long ago. The screw for the grips also does look to have been replaced with an unmarked one.

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 72. A. 1. 53., for issue to the 72nd Field Artillery "Grand Master" Regiment. First raised 25 March 1899, this regiment was garrisoned in Marienwerder, Preußisch Stargard, then part of the Prussian Province of West Prussia, in what is today Northern Poland.

Cosmetically, the revolver is still in very good shape, with much of the original blued finish on the exterior still present, showing wear around the corners and muzzle, as well as some light denting in areas. The markings have been highlighted in white to make them easier to see, which also gives it a great look. It looks to have seen only light service, and is really a great representative example, with all parts still present. 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, allowing only movement to the loading position on the tumbler when set. The cylinder base pin can easily be removed when the securing latch is in the down position, 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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