Erfurt Model 1883 Kurzer Reichsrevolver 10.26x25R SA Revolver 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1602
LSB#: 211216DW11
Make: Königlich Preußische Gewehrfabrik Erfurt (Royal Prussian Rifle Factory Erfurt)
Model: Model 1883 Reichsrevolver
Serial#: 9858
Year of Manufacture: 1894, ATF Antique
Caliber: 10.26x25R
Action Type: Single-Action Revolver with Side Loaded 6-Round Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the frame features the serial number “9858”, German proof marks, the screw-heads and safety lever are marked “58” and has the Königlich Preußische Gewehrfabrik Erfurt logo which is a crown above “ERFURT / 1894”. The left side of the barrel has a German proof and is serial matched. The bottom of the barrel has proof marks. The bottom of the frame and grip-strap have German proof marks. The metal washers and screw-head on the grips are marked “58” and have German proof marks. The side-loading gate is serial matched and has German proof marks. The cylinder’s chambers are marked 1-6, inclusive. The front of the cylinder is marked “P”. The rear end of the cylinder is serial matched and has German proof marks. The cylinder pin is serial matched. The rear end of the hammer is marked “G”. The back-strap is marked “65. A. E. 2. 81.” and has a struck out marking “29. A. R. 2. 92.” which are likely unit markings.
Barrel Length: Approximately 4 5/8”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the muzzle end of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the rear end of the top-strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip-panels are two-piece smooth wood. There is a lanyard ring fixed to the bottom of the butt-strap. The grip panels have light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. Notably, the right panel has a patch of wear above the metal washer for the screw. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition for antiques.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rolfing. There is some light scattered pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 15% of its metal finish. The pistol has a light coat of surface oxidation which has given it a patina color. There are some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs on the revolver’s metal surfaces. Notably, the cylinder has developed a turn-line. The markings remain clear. The screwheads have light tool-marks and remain serviceable. Overall, the revolver is in Very Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single action trigger is crisp. The cylinder locks with no play on any of the chambers. The safety lever works normally. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: There is a black unmarked leather holster included with the revolver. The holster has moderate handling marks, scuffs and scratches. Notably, the front end of the holster has a hole at the bottom and a small tear near the top. Overall, the holster is in Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Royal Prussian Rifle Factory Erfurt manufactured Kurzer Reichsrevolver Model 1883 is a single-action revolver chambered for 10.26x25R rounds. Prior to the introduction of the Reichsrevolver, the various German States that had unified into the German Empire in 1871 all maintained their own armies which were primarily equipped with obsolete percussion weaponry. The newly formed empire recognized the importance of equipping these various militaries with uniform weapons and the need to modernize its arsenal. The handgun that initially culminated from this effort was the Reichsrevolver Model 1879, the handgun was mechanically sound but its barrel was too long, which made it impractical. Thus, the revolver was reworked with a smaller barrel, and only four years after the Model 1879 had been adopted the improved Model 1883 became the standard issue handgun of the German military. The Model 1883 would eventually be replaced by the Luger in 1908, but some Model 1883s saw service during the First World War (WWI). Although no longer used by the military, the Model 1883 saw limited service with non-military organizations in Germany through the end of WWII. This revolver was manufactured in 1894 making it an Antique. It has two unit markings, the original marking has been struck out. The revolver’s unit marking which remains intact is for Feldartillerie-Ersatz-Abteilung Nr. 65 which was part of the 8th Ersatz Division, a unit that was formed when WWI broke out in 1914. The unit engaged in the Battle of Frontiers at the beginning of the war. Following that engagement, the unit was engaged in sporadic fighting along the Western Front until 1916 when it entered the bloody Battle of the Somme which was its last major engagement before the unit was converted into the 243rd Infantry Division in 1917. This is a fascinating piece of German military history that you do not want to miss out on!