Reichsrevolver

in 1879 the Imperial German Federal Government (Deutsches Kaiser Reich) decided to introduce a common army- and navy-revolver for the four different armies, Preußen, Bayern, Sachsen and Württemberg.

The model 1879 has a circa 18cm = 7" barrel with a muzzle ring, is brüniert = browned. On the left side is a crank to secure the base- or cylinder pin,  and additional a safety blocking the hammer from cocking. Plain wooden grips, lanyard ring, shows acceptance- and proof stamps and unit markings. The caliber is 10.55, sometimes called 10.6mm, comparable to the .44 Russian.

The model 1883 has a 11.7cm = 4½" barrel, is gebläut = blued. On the left side is a push-button "transverse pin" working similar to Colt's  later SAA to secure the base- or cylinder pin,  and additional is the safety. Plain wooden grips, lanyard ring, shows acceptance- and proof stamps and unit marking. The same caliber.  

While the above revolvers were for service use, the officers had to buy their own arms. Most of the officers came from well-to-do families and wanted a better finish, checkered grips, with a variety of  double action revolvers, and because private property there are no unit stamps. The caliber is the  same. These models are pretty rare, and Hans Reckendorf in his book Die Militär-Faustfeuerwaffen des Deutschen Reiches wrote after diligent research: "for 200 troop issued revolvers one finds one officer's model."

Sachsen S&W Reichsrevolver

all Reichsrevolver are sold