Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers! 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Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger.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.

They were made by various different makers, and this example is marked on the left side of the frame with F. v. DREYSE SÖMMERDA, for Franz von Dreyse, the son of the famous inventor and firearms manufacturer Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse. The father and son had started a gun factory in Sömmerda, Prussia together, which Franz continued after his father passed in 1867, until his own passing in 1894.

Our Revolver bears serial number 4905 on all major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 05 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 are also imperial German proofs on the bottom of the grip, and as we often see there are regimental markings on the grip frame. There is a crossed out marking reading 23. A. E. 2. 81, which could be for an "Ersatz" (replacement) unit of the 23rd (2nd Rhenish) Field Artillery regiment. There is also F. A. VIII. 3., possibly for the 8th (1st Rhenish) Field Artillery "von Holtzendorff" regiment. Definitely some nice research potential here!

The revolver is in very good service used condition, with the original blued finish now faded to a mottled oxidized patina overall, with some evidence of past peppering. The revolver definitely looks to have seen long use while in service. The grips are in good condition, showing wear from service, and have some damage near the bottom. The lanyard ring base is still present, however the ring is missing, very common due to it being a "split ring" design.

The action functions well on 5 of 6 chambers, however one of the teeth on the cylinder ratchet is broken off, something we really haven't seen before. This means that it cannot advance past this chamber, and needs to be advanced by hand. In spite of this, the cylinder lock is still solid, and the safety is fully functional as well. The loading gate is functional as well. The bore is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear lands and grooves. There is some past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, so they are a little dark, but overall it's a very nice example.

A very substantial and a great example of a solid German design. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1885
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.