This very scarce revolving carbine is based on the same mechanism as the 1878 "Zig Zag" revolver, with a reciprocating bar connected to the hammer engaging the namesake track on the exterior of the cylinder to advance and index the chambers. Blade front and two-leaf rear sights on the "GEBR. MAUSER & CIE OBERNDORF A/N. WURTTEMBERG 1878.PATENT" marked solid rib, casehardened hammer, niter blue cylinder and controls, sling swivels, and a checkered straight wrist stock with a low profile right handed cheekrest and a flat steel buttplate. In contrast to the revolver, the carbine is hinged at the front, with a combination of a spring loaded mechanism on the underside of the barrel and a latch on top of the frame securing the barrel, with an automatic cartridge extractor. No serial number is present, but an assembly number "8" is present on multiple small components and the top of the frame.

Very fine, with 95% plus professionally restored blue finish, showing some light edge wear, spotting and handling marks. 90% plus bright niter blue is present on the small parts, with a few areas of gray patina, with the casehardened pattern silvered out but present on the hammer. The restored stock shows a few light scratches and dings, and is also very fine overall with crisp recut checkering and attractive grain. Mechanically excellent.