A competitor to the more traditional 1879 "Reichsrevolver" for Germany's first military cartridge handgun, 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 (with unique period added blued side rails) and notch rear sights, with the top of the barrel rib marked "GEBR. MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N. WURTTEMBERG.1878.PATENT" and a vented cutout above the cylinder. A control switch is installed on the left side of the barrel lug, which secures the cylinder and frees the release latch when engaged, ensuring that the mechanism doesn't go off-track when opened. Fitted with a checkered casehardened single action hammer and a pair of checkered grips.

Very fine, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing scattered spotting and handling marks, areas of brown patina, a few areas of pitting, and some bright edge wear. The grips are fine, with moderate wear overall, some small chips and dings. Mechanically excellent.