Reichsrevolver

in 1879 the Imperial German Federal Government (Deutsches Kaiser Reich) decided to introduce a common army- and navy-revolver for the four different armies, Preußen, Bayern, Sachsen and Württemberg.

The model 1879 has a circa 18cm = 7" barrel with a muzzle ring, is brüniert = browned. On the left side is a crank to secure the base- or cylinder pin,  and additional a safety blocking the hammer from cocking. Plain wooden grips, lanyard ring, shows acceptance- and proof stamps and unit markings. The caliber is 10.55, sometimes called 10.6mm, comparable to the .44 Russian.

The model 1883 has a 11.7cm = 4½" barrel, is gebläut = blued. On the left side is a push-button "transverse pin" working similar to Colt's  later SAA to secure the base- or cylinder pin,  and additional is the safety. Plain wooden grips, lanyard ring, shows acceptance- and proof stamps and unit marking. The same caliber.  

While the above revolvers were for service use, the officers had to buy their own arms. Most of the officers came from well-to-do families and wanted a better finish, checkered grips, with a variety of  double action revolvers, and because private property there are no unit stamps. The caliber is the  same. These models are pretty rare, and Hans Reckendorf in his book Die Militär-Faustfeuerwaffen des Deutschen Reiches wrote after diligent research: "for 200 troop issued revolvers one finds one officer's model."

Der Reichsrevolver und seine Varianten
Heinrich E. Harder
Obwohl in zahlreichen deutschen und ausländischen Sammlungen präsent, spielten die deutschen Armeerevolver M/79 und M/83 in der Fachliteratur nur eine untergeordnete Rolle, die der Bedeutung dieser Waffen nicht gerecht wird. Waren doch sämtliche noch vorhandene „Reichsrevolver" ab 1914 ausgegeben worden und treue Begleiter bei zahlreichen Einheiten während des gesamten Ersten Weltkriegs. Neu entdecktes und ausgewertetes Archivmaterial machte es nun möglich, die Geschichte des „Reichsrevolvers" neu zu bewerten und ausführlich darzustellen.
Das vorliegende Buch wird nicht nur dem historisch Interessierten etwas bieten, sondern auch denjenigen, der sich intensiver mit der Fertigung und Güteprüfung dieser faszinierenden Revolver auseinandersetzen möchte. Bemerkenswert ist auch die detaillierte Darstellung des sächsischen Revolvers M/73, der ja bereits im Jahre 1873, kurz nach der Gründung des deutschen Reichs, eingeführt worden war und somit ebenfalls zu den Revolvern des Reichs gezählt werden muss. Sein Ursprung, seine Geschichte und sein Verbleib nach Einführung des „Reichsrevolvers" in Sachsen dürfte der Leserschaft manche Überraschung bieten. 464 Seiten, 1000 Abbildungen, Format 20 * 27 cm     last book is sold

The Reichsrevolver and Its Variations, by Heinrich E. Harder. German language with English summaries and photo captions. A definitive, well researched, reference on the German Military Reichsrevolvers, beginning with the rare Model 1873 Saxon service revolver, through all the variations of the M1879 and M1883 German service revolvers. These revolvers were standard military issue up through WWII. Officers models, commercial variations, experimental and European copies are also included! Much information on holsters, accessories, ammunition, leather cartridge boxes, and markings. Serial numbers also included. A much needed reference. German Language with English summaries and photo captions, so it's very useful even if you can't read German! If you collect German handguns, this is an essential reference!

AWM = Artillerie-Werkstätten-München
= Artillery Workshops Munich

10 = October

00 = 1900

GEBR. MAUSER & CIE. OBERNDORF 1880,
made Reichsrevolver model 1879, serial # 1330, dated 1882,caliber stamp 10.6 (= 10.55mm = .44 Russian) 7" barrel, original matte brownish,  plain original grips, lanyard ring. The revolver was issued to the Bavarian army with GF (Gewehrfabrik Amerg) acceptance stamp and Bavarian unit stamp on butt cap: B. 5. A. = Bayrisches Fuß-Artillerie-Regiment (according to Noll, German Regimental Marking: Bavarian Foot Artillery Regiment) 1. company, 11. weapon. The revolver is in good working order showing some use, general in fine condition. It comes with an original holster with maker's cartouche AWM, the holster is slightly worn and damaged.
Mauser revolvers are the rarest and most desirable of the Reichsrevolver.    $2,000.