An improvement on the Model 1878 Revolver, the "Zig-Zag" uses a reciprocating spring-loaded arm riding in a track around the side of the cylinder instead of more traditional arrangement of a pawl engaging the rear cylinder face. While a sturdy handgun, it was displaced by Mauser's own 1896 Broomhandle, though some privately purchased Zig-Zags were carried in World War One. Blade front and notch rear sights, with the top of the barrel rib marked "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF a/NECKAR" and a vented cutout above the cylinder. A safety switch is installed on the left side of the barrel lug, which interfaces with the cylinder and locks out the release latch on the front. Fitted with a checkered casehardened single action hammer and a pair of gutta-percha grips with raised scroll and leaf designs.

Fine with 75% plus of the original blue finish, showing some light handling marks and some signs of turning on the screws. The hammer pin latch and safety lock show over half the niter blue finish, with the hammer and barrel latch showing bright case color in the protected areas. The grips are very good, with a minimum of handling marks, fine details and sharp checkering. Mechanically excellent.