Original Imperial German M1883 Reichsrevolver by Franz von Dreyse with Regiment Markings - Serial 9928

Original Item: Only One Available. This is one of the great romantic era Imperial German Army Revolvers! 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Modell 1879 and 1883, were service revolvers used by the German Army from 1879 to 1908, when they were superseded by the Luger.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 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.

They were made by various different makers, and this example is marked on the left side of the frame with F. v. DREYSE SÖMMERDA, for Franz von Dreyse, the son of the famous inventor and firearms manufacturer Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse. The father and son had started a gun factory in Sömmerda, Prussia together, which Franz continued after his father passed in 1867, until his own passing in 1894.

Our Revolver bears serial number 9928 on all major parts of the revolver, with shortened number 28 on the smaller parts. Even the inside of both grip scales is marked with shortened serial number 028! The only non-matching part is the cylinder arbor pin, which is an unmarked fabricated replacement. That makes this a very nice "Mostly Matching" example, without any major parts swapped out during service. There is also the letters CF stamped on the back of the cylinder and on the left side of the barrel, however we do not know what this signifies.

There are also imperial German proofs on the bottom of the grip, and as we often see there is a German regimental designation stamped on the grip frame, in this case B. 1. R. A. 1. 39.. The stylized "R" indicates that this was a reserve unit, and it would refer to either the 1st Royal Bavarian Field Artillery "Prince Regent Luitpold" Regiment or the 1st Royal Bavarian Foot Artillery "vakant Bothmer" Regiment. The top of the action behind the hammer is marked with G.A.LAUF. (U is inverted), which is a marking that we do not understand the significance of.

The revolver is in very good condition, and still has a good amount of the original blued finish on the frame, while the barrel and cylinder are worn to a nice plum patina. The case colored components now are worn more towards bright steel, with some staining. The bore is in excellent condition, mirror bright with crisp lands and grooves, and showing very little evidence that it was ever fired. The action is tight and works well, and the loading gate is present and fully functional. The lanyard ring is still present, and is the correct "split ring" design.

In full working order, very substantial and a great example of a solid German design. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber: 10.6×25mmR
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Only
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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