Waffenfabrik Bern 1878 10.4mm .41 Swiss DA Revolver MFD 1878-1881 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,805.00
LSB#: WY250210SM106
Make: Waffenfabrik Bern
Model: Model 1878
Serial Number: 3698
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1881, Antique
Caliber: 10.4mm Swiss Ordnance (.41 Swiss)
Action Type: Double Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate and Ejector Rod
Markings: The left side of the frame in front of the cylinder is marked with a boxed “+ /V”, a “+ / 0”, “3698”, “+ / WAFFENFABRIK / BERN” and with an ovalled “+ / Backwards ”S””. The front face of the cylinder is marked “.757” and “B”. The rear face is marked “MB” and “+ / C”. The circumference of the cylinder is marked “3698”, “+ / O” and “2”. The right side of the trigger is marked “698”. The right side of the cylinder below the ejector rod is marked “I”, the spring of the ejector rod is marked “10” and the screw that holds it is marked “0”. The body of the ejector rod is marked “12”, the handle of the rod is marked “587” and with a “+ / 0”, and the screw at the front of the rod is marked “11”. The shaft of the cylinder pin is marked “563” and the front face of the pin is marked “698”
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notch integral to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered brown hard rubber on an oval shaped saw handled grip frame with an integral oval grip cap. There is a stud with a lanyard ring attached in the middle of the grip cap. The left grip has a large smooth cross in the center, marked “3”, opposite the grip screw in the right grip. There are some light scratches present. The checkering is defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: N/A
Type of Finish: Type of Finish: The finish is blued. The trigger and hammer have a straw-colored finish and the ejector rod is “In The White”
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. There is some light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are some light scratches on the metal surfaces. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. There is some finish loss on the leading edges. This revolver rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both double and single action. The cylinder locks up tightly with minor play. The ejector rod and loading gate function as intended. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Waffenfabrik Bern Model 1878 revolver was Switzerland’s first domestically manufactured military sidearm. It was an evolution of the earlier M1872, which was heavily influenced by the French MAS 1873 Chamelot-Delvigne revolver. While the M1872 was chambered in 10.4mm rimfire, the Swiss developed a new centerfire cartridge in 1878, leading to the adoption of the M1878 revolver. This new design offered greater reliability and service longevity, and many of the older M1872 revolvers were converted to centerfire as the M1872/78 variant. The M1878 served as the Swiss military’s primary sidearm before being succeeded by the Schmidt-Rubin series of rifles and later semi-automatic pistols.
This particular revolver retains about 90% of its original blued finish, with some light scratches and finish wear on the leading edges. The markings remain crisp, and the mechanical components, including the ejector rod and loading gate, function properly. Notably, this example features multiple factory and military inspection marks, reinforcing its authenticity as a Swiss military-issued firearm. The checkered brown hard rubber grips, featuring a Swiss cross, are in Very Good condition with no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light fouling, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion.
With its solid mechanical condition, strong remaining finish, and historical significance, this Swiss M1878 revolver will appeal to collectors of European military firearms. Swiss military sidearms are known for their precision engineering, and this revolver exemplifies the high-quality craftsmanship that Waffenfabrik Bern was known for. Whether as a display piece or an addition to a historical collection, this revolver is an excellent example of late Swiss military arms. Please see our high-quality photos and good luck on your bid! -M.C.
