SOLD - Prussian Reichsrevolver M1879 - Artillery Unit Marked, Suhl Consortium Contract

Description

12/11/24 - All-matching antique Reichsrevolver Model 1879, manufactured by the Suhl Consortium under Prussian contract in 1879. 30,000 revolvers were ordered by Prussia in 1879 and delivered by 1882, see the attached page from Der Reichsrevolver und seine Varianten.

This is a rare all-matching gun in complete original condition. The complete serial number of 8412 is marked on the barrel, frame, cylinder, cylinder axis pin, and underside of grips. The last two digits of the serial number, 12, are marked profusely throughout the revolver, including: the safety lever, loading gate, cylinder retention latch, and all interior parts including the mainspring, hammer, trigger, bolt stop. Even the screws and escutcheons on this revolver are matching with the last two digits of the serial number. The barrel is marked with the caliber 10,55 mm.

The butt of the gun shows multiple unit markings indicating service in several artillery regiments in the 13th field artillery brigade within the VII. Army Corps, under the general command at Münster. The VII Corps was mobilized under the Schlieffen Plan in WW I and saw action at the First Battle of the Marnes and the First Battle of Ypres.

The specific markings indicate a colorful history of this revolver changing hands through multiple artillery regiments:

 Crossed out: 58. A. 6. 70. = 58 Artillery Regiment, battery 6, rack number #70

 Crossed out: 22. A. 12. 70. = 22 Artillery Regiment, battery 12, rack number #70

 Crossed out: 7. R.A. 3. 83 = 7th Reserve Artillery Regiment, battery 3, rack number #83

 Complete marking: 25. R.A. 6. 18 = 25th Reserve Artillery Regiment, battery 6, rack number #18

The revolver is in excellent mechanical condition. Timing is excellent and lockup is strong. The single action trigger pull is strong is strong and heavy. The cylinder rotates smoothly when the revolver is put on half-cock. The safety lever functions exactly as designed.

This revolver retains the excellent original browned finish, visible from the darker blued small parts, and the distinctive in-the-white portions found on the rear of the cylinder, under the loading gate, and under the safety.

Chambered in 10,55 mm Reichsrevolver (aka 10.6×25mmR German Ordnance). The 10.6mm Reichsrevolver cartridge is derived from the 44 S&W Russian (in fact, the Reichsrevolver shares identical lockwork inspired by the S&W Model 3) and this revolver will chamber and fire appropriately loaded black powder 44 S&W Russian or light smokeless loads. Not import marked.