Here is the mate to Sarge's Reichsrevolver Modell 1879. The Reichsrevolver Modell 1879 and1883 were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger. Although the design was dated, the weapons were extremely robust, and were still used through World War I. The M1879 with the 7” barrel is referred to as the "cavalry model" and the M1883 with the 5” barrel, as the "officer's model," by collectors, which were not official designations. Both models were single-action, solid frame, non-ejecting six-shot revolvers. The caliber was an indigenous 10.6×25mmR with a medium-length cartridge case, comparable to the contemporary .44 Russian round in size and power. Loading was via a gate on the revolver's right side, and the cylinder was released by pulling the hammer to half-cock. Removing empty cartridges could be done by removing the cylinder by withdrawing the axis pin, and then removing the casings by hand, but in actual practice a separate small rod (stored in the ammunition pouch) was used to push the casings out without having to remove the cylinder. A unique feature among these revolvers was the safety lever, which was often applied with the hammer resting in the half-cock position.

 

 

Kanemono,

 

Thanks for showing your very nice M.1883 "Officer's Model" Revolver. I love the finely checkered grips on your example. Is your pistol a private purchase or an issue revolver? Any unit markings?

Sarge,

Private purchase, no unit markings. My guess is that with the finely checkered grips it belonged to an officer.

Dick