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Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger.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, though in this case the ring and base were removed.

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 32 S. on most major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 32 on the smaller parts. Even the inside of both grip scales is marked with the full serial number! The only non-matching part we can find is the cylinder arbor pin, which is marked with 982. 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. There are unit markings we can see on the grip frame, and we also have noticed that the lanyard loop and base were removed at some point, ground down even with the rest of the frame.

The revolver is in very good condition, and the metalwork condition is solid. It shows an overall worn gray patina, faded from the original bluing, but no major oxidation we can see. The bore is in very good condition, mostly bright with clear lands and grooves, and just a few spots of fouling, and what looks like a ring of oxidation on the interior. The loading gate works perfectly, and mechanically the action is very tight. The cylinder arbor pin pulls out easily, allowing the cylinder to be removed. The safety works correctly, and can be engaged when the hammer is fully un-cocked, and when it is in the loading position.

The grips on the revolver are original, but are checkered, something we do not usually see. It does not look have been done at home, and definitely shows a high level of ability. The checkering is now a bit worn, and looks to have been finished in the past.

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.