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Reichs-Commissions-Revolver Modell 1879, was a service revolver used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when it was superseded by the Luger.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. The barrel trunion bears the original manufacture date of 1882. clearly stamped on the left side.

Our Revolver bears serial number 6503 on most major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 03 on the smaller parts. Even the inside of both grip scales is stamped with the full serial number! The cylinder is non-matching, marked with serial number 6321, while the arbor pin is marked with 9650. Parts swapping was typical for revolvers that saw long service such as this 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 several different regimental markings, two of which were crossed out when it was reissued. The current marking is I. M. I. 38. 77., which is a marking we do not recognize. The crossed out markings look to be 2. A. 6. 65. and 2. A. I. 1. 113., both of which should be for the 2nd (1st Pomeranian) Field Artillery Regiment, or possibly the 2nd (1st Pomeranian) Foot Artillery "von Hindersin" Regiment. Definitely some nice research potential on this revolver which saw long service.

The revolver shows an overall aged gray oxidized patina, with areas showing past peppering, but no major pit rusting. It looks like a revolver that saw long use in service, probably carried for decades. It is complete, save for the tab on the release lever for the arbor pin having broken off. For this reason the only way to get the arbor pin out is to remove the release lever completely. The grips are in good condition, showing wear from use, with some dents, small chips, and other wear.

We checked the bore, and it shows clear lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is definitely some wear, and some spots of fouling and oxidation towards the middle of the barrel, but overall it's quite nice considering the amount of use it probably saw. The revolver functions, however the safety is not functional at all, and does not stop the revolver from cocking or firing, just from cycling correctly. The action is a bit finicky, and sometimes the hand falls out of alignment, requiring revolving the cylinder by hand to reset it. It seems to be the ratchet is worn on one chamber, so it doesn't advance well after that. The loading gate is fully functional.

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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