Developed in 1878, the Zig-Zag revolver was the first handgun designed and developed by Paul Mauser and his firm, while still operating in partnership with Wilhelm Mauser as the Mauser Brothers (prior to 1884). A competitor to be the first centerfire cartridge-fed handgun adopted by the German military, the 1878 scored high marks in overall performance, though concerns about the complexity of the design led them to choose the 1879 Reichsrevolver instead. In 1886, the hinged frame variation was introduced. A number are believed to have seen service as privately purchased military sidearms. At the heart of the mechanism is the combination of an angular track (the titular 'Zig-Zag') machined into the side of the cylinder and a toothed reciprocating bar linked to the hammer, which serves to both advance and lock the cylinder, in contrast to the more commonly seen pawl/sprocket and stop arrangement. Additionally, the spring responsible for resetting the cocking bar also powers the hammer, replacing the grip frame mounted leaf spring commonly seen in that era. For loading, the barrel assembly is hinged at the rear of the top strap, automatically pushing the hammer back to the safety notch when opened, with the closure latch doubling as the lever for a star-pattern extractor assembly. Sights are fixed, with "GEBR. MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N. WURTTEMBERG 1878"on top of the barrel rib, and the matching full and partial serial number marked on various components. With a pair of finely decorated gutta percha grip panels with raised dragon and floral themed decorations. Includes a leatherette case with blue felt lined interior, cleaning rod, tool, and a partly filled 50-count Mauser 7mm/.320 English ammunition tin containing 22 cartridges with ""320" headstamps (also referred to as 7.6 mm).

Very fine, retains 75% plus original high polish blue finish with some edge wear, smooth gray patina and patches of minor surface pitting concentrated mostly on the sides of the barrel, 75% plus vivid original case colors on the hammer and lever, and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Grips are also very fine with tight fitment, a few minor handling marks, and defined decorations. Mechanically excellent. Case is fine with edge wear and general age related wear, ammunition tin is also fine with some absent edges of the label.