This is an incredibly significant example of an unmarked early Prototype Mauser Zig-Zag hinge frame revolver chambered in an experimental necked 10.6mm cartridge as manufactured by the hands of brothers Paul and Wilhelm Mauser. This is the first center-fire cased cartridge revolver design patented by the Mausers, and also the earliest known Mauser revolver with the patented break open hinge frame. This revolver is exactly as depicted in the German patent No. 2564 titled, "Innovations to Revolvers. Patented in the German Empire on March 2nd, 1878". Translated from the original German patent No. 2564 description, "The invention relates to a revolver or a rotary pistol in a construction which differs significantly from the previous systems. In this revolver, as in the newer American versions, the cylinder is rotated while the trigger is being drawn or cocked. The hammer is namely cocked with the thumb before each shot... The new revolver is further distinguished by the fact that its mechanism is extraordinarily simple; it has on the whole only 33 parts, the American ones sometimes being composed of 56 parts. As a result, it is very easy to take apart. In fact, in order to clean it, only a single screw needs to be loosened; all parts can then be taken apart, cleaned and loosened by hand. Another peculiarity consists in the new construction of the extraction of the cartridge cases." To extract spent shell casings, the safety device located on the front of the frame is pushed upwards with the users thumb, which allows the frame to hinge open. Once opened, while still holding the thumb safety device upwards, the cylinder is turned clockwise by hand and the ejector automatically pulls the rimmed cases out. Included with this pistol is scanned copies of German patent No. 2564 relating to this revolver, and scanned copies of the improved German patent No. 3903 dated April 9th, 1878, only one month after the first patent and depicting what would become the similar production Mauser C78 Zig-Zag revolver, which would have difficulties in attracting German Army interest due to the zig-zag cylinder deemed too complex to manufacture. Round blade front and V notch rear sights. Lanyard swivel ring on bottom of butt. Includes modern felt lined case with keys. Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 60% plus thinning original blue finish with some light scattered spotting, handling marks, light cylinder drag marks, and some light flaking. Grips are fine modern made replacements with some light handling marks and dings. Mechanically excellent. A unique opportunity to own a very rare Mauser prototype revolver.