Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers, and this is a rare Private Purchase Double Action 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Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger.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 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. There are no maker marks on the revolver or other markings that would identify who produced it. It is marked with matching serial number 1238 on the barrel and the frame, with assembly number 25 on the bottom of the barrel, cylinder, arbor pin, grip frame, loading gate, and ejector. Even the insides of the grip scales are marked in pencil with 25. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years.

Aside from the serial number, the only other markings on the revolver are two CROWN / CROWN / U proofs on the right side of the frame and on the barrel where they join. There is also the same proof on the side of the cylinder. This proof was used by Germany starting in the 1890s, and not used by any other country. We have seen other examples in double action, which were all "Commercial Issue". As officer's were required to purchase their own sidearms, this one opted for one that was a bit different, working in both single and double action.

The revolver is in very good service used condition, and the metalwork condition is solid. Many parts of the revolver still show the original deep blue finish, with other areas worn to a gray patina. The bore is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. The loading gate works perfectly, and mechanically the action is very tight. The cylinder arbor pin can still be removed relatively easily, and the ejector is fully functional. The grips are in very nice shape with a lovely color, and the original lanyard ring is still present. There also is a small German silver Totenkopf emblem on the right grip scale, the famous emblem of the Death's Head Hussar Light Cavalry, which eventually became the 1st Life Hussars.

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 1895
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 9 1/8 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.