Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Model 1879 Reichsrevolver marked the German Empire’s first standardized military revolver, adopted to modernize forces after the 1871 unification. Despite Germany’s later reputation for advanced firearms, this revolver was deliberately simple, prioritizing durability over ergonomics or efficiency. This massive single-action revolver, comparable in size to a Colt Walker, chambered a proprietary 10.6×25mmR cartridge (similar to .44 Russian) and featured several unusual characteristics. Most notably, it included a manual safety lever – rare for revolvers – and lacked a built-in ejector rod, requiring soldiers to carry a separate tool for removing spent cases. The 1879 model served until 1883 when a shorter-barreled version was introduced. Though officially replaced by the Luger in 1908, these robust revolvers remained in secondary service through both World Wars, with customs officials using them until 1945. Approximately 450,000 were produced by various German manufacturers, embodying a philosophy of reliability over sophistication that was unusual for German arms of the period.
“Dated “1882”. Unit marking “B.4.Ch2.23.” on grip cap.
Manufacturer: MauserModel: 1879Type: RevolverGauge: 10.55 mmBarrel: 7 1/8 inch roundFinish: blueGrip: hardwood”
Lot 519: German Mauser Model 1879 Single Action Reichsrevolver. (n.d.). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved December 16, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5003/519/german-mauser-model-1879-single-action-reichsrevolver.
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