This is a very fine example of a scarce early production Mauser Model 1878 revolver with the hinged frame. The revolver was nicknamed Zig-Zag because of the parallel and inclined grooves machined into the outside of the cylinder which actually rotate the cylinder during firing. As noted this is the hinged frame model with the ring-type cylinder locking lever/ejector located ahead of the trigger guard, and a safety latch on the left side of the frame that prevents the cylinder from rotating when engaged. The top of the barrel rib is marked "GEBR MAUSER & CIE OBERNDORF A/N. WURTTEMBERG. 1878 PATENT". The matching serial number is marked on the cylinder lock/ejector, rear cylinder face, on the frame, on the inside of each grip panel and "99" is marked on the hammer. The revolver has later style round-butt with the lanyard loop on the end of the butt. It is fitted with two piece hard rubber grips with a relief stylized floral and vine pattern around the edges and checkering in the center. These pistols have a rust blue finish with a bright heat blue on the cylinder, hammer lock, cylinder lock and trigger, and casehardened cylinder latch/ejector and hammer. These revolvers were later chambered in the 9mm Mauser cartridge, (forerunner to the 9mm Parabellum). Although very well manufactured and reliable, the Mauser Model 1878 was expensive to manufacture and had limited commercial sales. They remained in service with the German Army for 18-20 years until it was replaced by the 1896 Mauser pistol. Examples of this distinctive Mauser revolver are scarce.

Very fine. The revolver retains 60% original blue finish with some scattered flaking, edge wear and a smooth mottled brown patina on the grip straps. The cylinder, trigger and safety levers retain 90% original bright nitre blue finish with some high point wear. The hammer retains almost all of the original vivid case colors and the latch/ejector has a smooth gray patina with some faded original case colors in protected areas. The hammer safety is a replacement. The grips are very fine with a sliver absent from the top of the right panel, otherwise crisp design and checkering. The markings are sharp. The action is excellent.