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Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger.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 usually 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.

Our Revolver however looks to be an Officer's Privately purchased revolver, and it has one very important difference from other examples we have had: It is in DOUBLE action! We have only had one in double action before, and it was made quite differently than this example, so we assume these were made to order, with each maker having their own style. This example has a firing mechanism very similar to the U.S. Civil War era Starr Double Action Percussion revolver: there is a second "trigger" behind the main trigger. Pulling the front trigger cocks the gun, and once it reaches the rear it hits the second trigger, which fires the action. It also can be used in single action mode, and the design of the trigger guard and grip looks to be designed to work either way.

The German reichsrevolvers 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 755 on all major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 55 on the smaller parts like the mainspring, screws, etc. Even the inside of both grip scales is marked with 755 / F! 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 various parts of the gun.

The revolver is in very good condition, with the original blued finish faded in most areas to a lovely plum patina. Some areas area bit more worn, showing a peppery patina. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, but there is also a good amount of past peppering in the grooves, so it looks to not have been cleaned properly at one time or another. This allowed some surface oxidation to set in. The action is tight and works well, and the loading gate is present and fully functional. The wooden grips are in excellent condition with crisp checkering, and the split lanyard ring is still present.

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

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1889
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 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.