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  • Auction Catalog #76
  • Lot #424
Lot #423
Lot #425

Lot 424: Mauser Model 1878 'Zig-Zag' Single Action Revolver

Attractive Mauser Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" Single Action Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 3, 2019

Lot 424: Mauser Model 1878 'Zig-Zag' Single Action Revolver

Attractive Mauser Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" Single Action Revolver

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 3, 2019

Estimated Price: $5,000 - $7,000

Attractive Mauser Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" Single Action Revolver

Manufacturer: Mauser
Model: 1878
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 11 mm
Barrel: 5 1/2 inch solid rib
Finish: blue
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 2739
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 207
Class: Antique
Description:

Developed in 1878, the Zig-Zag revolver was the first handgun designed and developed by Paul Mauser and his firm. 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 chose the 1879 Reichs revolver instead. 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 "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF a/NECKAR" on top of the barrel rib, "crown/crown/U" on the left side of the barrel shroud, and "176" on multiple components. With a pair of finely checkered hard rubber grip panels with raised foliate designs.

Rating Definition:

Very fine. 90% of the period refinished blue remains, showing some edge wear, mild dings, and scattered shallow pitting. The grips are also very fine, with a few tiny chips near the frame and sharp detail in the checkering and decoration. Mechanically excellent.



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