Spangenberg & Sauer Reichsrevolver M1879 10.6x25mmR Revolver, 1882 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1332
LSB#: 210918MW81
Make: Spangenberg & Sauer C.G. Haenel & Cie
Model: Reichsrevolver M1879
Serial Number: 930
Year of Manufacture: 1882
Caliber: 10.6x25mmR
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action, Side Loading Gate Revolver with Manual Safety
Markings: The sideplate has a Spangenberg & Sauer C.G. Haenel & Cie maker’s mark. The left of the frame is marked “1882” in front of the cylinder. The left of the barrel, left of the frame, the sideplate, the top of the cylinder pin head, the rear of the cylinder and the inside of each grip panel are marked “930”. The front face of the loading gate is marked “30”. Each screw head, the cylinder pin retainer, the safety lever, each grip screw escutcheon, the trigger, hammer, hand, cylinder stop, trigger guard, mainspring, and trigger spring are each marked “30”. There is an eagle inspection mark on the rear of the cylinder. There are script letter inspection marks on the front of the loading gate, the bottom of the barrel, the grip cap at the front and the top of the cylinder pin head. There are a few other scattered inspection marks. The top-left shoulder of the barrel is marked “10,55”. The outside of the cylinder is marked from “1” to “6” at each chamber. The grip cap is unit marked “1.MI55.66”. The lanyard ring stud is marked “30” and “K”.
Barrel Length: 7 1/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels. The grips have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The right panel has some light material loss around the escutcheon. The wood is generally slightly shy to the metal. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Bright
Finish Originality: Polished Bright
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright, the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered light erosion and some patches of more moderate erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun has been polished bright and retains about 0% of its metal finish. There are scattered little nicks, dings, and scratches throughout the metal. There are sparse areas of minor pitting, notable spots are on the grip cap and cylinder. There are wear lines around the cylinder pin retainer on the left of the frame and on the butt cap around the lanyard ring. There are tool marks at the screw heads. The action shows operational wear, including a turn-line on the cylinder and wear in the safety’s detent slot. The screw heads are tool marked with deep, strong slots. The markings are generally difficult to make out, some are clear, some are almost completely faded. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition as Antique and polished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lock up produces barely perceptible play. The trigger is heavy, but crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: Following the consolidation and creation of the German Empire, Germany was faced with integrating several different militaries of the German states into one German Army. Part of this involved standardizing sidearms, and the M1879 was adopted to serve as the Reichsrevolver, the revolver which would be the sidearm of all German Empire forces. Officially replaced in 1908 by the Luger, the M1879 would continue to see use all the way through the Great War. This example would make a great collector piece just for its matching numbered parts but it is also unit marked. This revolver will make a fine addition to a collection of late 19th/early 20th century military arms. Please see our photos and Good luck!