Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers, and this is definitely a very nice well marked example. The M1879 and M1883 Reichsrevolvers, or Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger.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 V.C.S. * C.G.H over SUHL. This is the marking of the Suhl consortium of arms makers consisting of V.C Schilling & Cie and C.G. Haenel & Cie, who supplied Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony. We do not see a date anywhere on the revolver, but they generally were only dated on arsenal made examples. Our Revolver bears serial number 5015 on all major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 15 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. It is also marked with the caliber 10,6 on the left side of the barrel, and there are various proof marks on the different parts of the gun.

The grip frame is marked twice with the Crown / L proof on the butt, for Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria, who reigned from 1886–1912. His nephew Otto was technically the King, however he was deemed unfit for rule, so his uncle and later cousin ruled in his stead.

The back strap of the grip is marked with German regimental designation B. 11. A. 1. 32., which would be the for the 11th Royal Bavarian Field Artillery Regiment, which was first raised 1 October 1901 in Würzburg. There is also an earlier regimental marking, now crossed out: B. 2. R. A. 1. 43., with the stylized "R" representing a reserve unit. Definitely a great research opportunity for those so inclined.

The revolver is in very good condition, and the metalwork condition is solid. Many parts of the revolver still have a lot of blued finish present. The bore is in very good condition, bright with clear lands and grooves, and just a few spots of fouling. The loading gate works perfectly, and mechanically the action is very tight. The cylinder arbor pin is currently quite difficult to remove, and we had to remove the catch itself to get it out. The wood grips are very nice, but definitely worn, with the top right grip scale indented slightly for a more comfortable grip.

In full working order, very substantial and a great example of a solid German design. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1893
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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 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.