Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive and exceptionally scarce Second Pattern Mauser Construktion 1878 revolver, commonly known to collectors as the C78 “Zig-Zag” because of the distinctive angled cam grooves machined around its cylinder.

The C78 holds a particularly important place in firearms history. It was Paul Mauser’s first handgun design and the only revolver ever developed by Mauser. Created for consideration during German military handgun trials, it represents one of the most mechanically inventive revolvers of the late 19th century and an important precursor to Mauser’s later success with the famous C96 automatic pistol.

Rather than using the conventional ratchet teeth found at the rear of most revolver cylinders, the C78 employs a projecting stud that travels through a zig-zag channel cut into the cylinder’s exterior. As the hammer is cocked, the stud follows the angled groove and rotates the cylinder into position for the next shot.

This unusual system explains the revolver’s popular nickname and gives the C78 one of the most immediately recognizable profiles of any early European handgun.

Similar cam-groove concepts had appeared on a limited number of earlier American firearms, including experimental Colt revolvers associated with Elisha Root’s patents and some Remington pepperbox designs. In practical military use, however, the system proved more complicated and expensive to manufacture than a conventional ratchet-operated cylinder.

The C78 was ultimately passed over by the German military in favor of the Model 1879 Reichsrevolver, a considerably simpler and more robust design developed by the Spangenberg & Sauer consortium of Suhl.

Although it did not secure a major military contract, the Mauser remained available for commercial purchase. German officers could privately acquire examples chambered for the same 10.6×25mmR cartridge used by the Reichsrevolver, while other versions were produced in several smaller and larger calibers for the civilian market.

The design remained in production in various forms from 1878 into the 1890s. It was eventually overshadowed by Mauser’s far more successful C96 semi-automatic pistol, introduced during the final years of the century.

This example is a Second Pattern C78, distinguished by its highly unusual hinged frame and simultaneous extraction system.

The original First Pattern had a solid frame and was loaded through a side gate, with individual cartridge cases removed by an ejector rod. For the Second Pattern, Mauser completely redesigned the loading system.

The barrel, cylinder, and forward frame assembly pivot upward on a hinge located at the upper rear of the frame. This allows the cylinder to remain attached to the revolver while exposing all six chambers for loading.

A three-position control lever on the left side of the frame performs several functions. In its normal operating position, the revolver may be cocked and fired. In the central position, it serves as a safety by locking the cylinder and preventing the action from being cocked. In its alternate position, it releases the hinged frame and allows the extraction system to operate.

When the frame is opened and the control is moved farther, the extractor rises to remove the cartridge cases and then returns when the lever is released. The system is remarkably ingenious, although considerably more complex than the simpler break-top revolvers produced by firms such as Smith & Wesson.

The revolver otherwise functions as a conventional single-action handgun. The hammer must be manually cocked before each shot. Because the mainspring is housed within the frame rather than the grip, a spring rod visibly projects from the front of the action when the hammer is cocked.

A second lever located near the hammer retains the hammer-axis pin. On the earlier First Pattern it also served a safety function, but on the Second Pattern its purpose is limited to retaining that pin.

The top of the barrel retains the original Mauser factory marking:

GEBR. MAUSER & CIE OBERNDORF A/N. WÜRTTEMBERG. 1878. PATENT

The marking is now somewhat faint because the revolver appears to have been refinished, most likely during the early 20th century. The metal surfaces were polished before the blue finish was renewed, softening portions of the original inscription.

Serial number 731 is marked on the rear of the cylinder and on the upper surface of the lower frame where it engages the hinged forward assembly.

Both grip panels are marked internally:

544 / M

These numbers do not correspond with the revolver’s serial number and may indicate that the grips were replaced at some point. They could also represent internal assembly or inventory markings, as C78 revolvers generally carry fewer numbered components than military-issue firearms.

The revolver remains in very good overall cosmetic condition. A substantial amount of the older restored blue finish is still present, with expected wear along the edges, muzzle, and other exposed areas.

Scattered oxidation and age-related surface wear are visible, but the revolver presents extremely well and retains a pleasing, even appearance.

The grips remain in excellent condition. They display only light handling wear and are free from major cracks, chips, or missing sections.

The original lanyard ring remains installed at the base of the grip and is also in very good condition.

Mechanically, the revolver functions very well. The cylinder indexes correctly, with strong lockup and a crisp single-action release.

The combined safety and frame-locking lever functions properly, although the central safety position does not have a particularly strong detent.

The hinged frame opens easily when unlocked. The extractor rises correctly when actuated and returns to its resting position when the control lever is released.

The bore remains in very good condition, retaining a mostly bright surface with strong, well-defined lands and grooves. Scattered areas of light oxidation are present, but the rifling remains sharp and appears to have seen relatively limited firing.

The C78 is among the most technically fascinating products ever manufactured by Mauser. Its elaborate cylinder-indexing system, hinged loading mechanism, and multi-function controls demonstrate Paul Mauser’s willingness to pursue complex mechanical solutions before settling on the automatic-pistol designs for which the company later became famous.

Surviving Second Pattern revolvers are especially desirable because they combine the signature zig-zag cylinder with Mauser’s highly unusual break-open frame and automatic extraction arrangement.

With its low serial number, strong mechanical condition, excellent bore, complete controls, original lanyard ring, and imposing 10.6mm military chambering, this is an outstanding representative example of Paul Mauser’s first handgun and only revolver design.

A significant addition to any advanced collection of Mauser firearms, Imperial German handguns, mechanical revolvers, or early repeating arms.

Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1886
Manufacturer: Gebrüder Mauser & Cie., Oberndorf am Neckar
Model: Construktion 1878 Second Pattern C78
Serial Number: 731
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Overall Length: 11"
Action: Single Action
Capacity: Six Rounds

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