German M1883 Reichsrevolver 10.6x25mmR SA Revolver Antique 1894 Unit Marked
SOLD FOR: $1,392.72
WOA#: WY240210RN006
Make: Royal Erfurt Arsenal
Model: M1883 Reichsrevolver
Serial Number: 6672
Year of Manufacture: 1894
Caliber: 10.6x25mmR
Action Type: Single action, 6 round non-swinging cylinder
Markings: The left side of the side plate is marked with a crown “C” stamp, “6672 l”, a crown, “Erfurt”, and “1894”. The top left side of the frame is marked “6672 l” and with a crown “C” stamp. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a Prussian eagle stamp and “6672 l”. The top left is marked “10,55”. The underside of the frame and barrel shank have various small proof and acceptance marks. The front side of the cylinder is marked “E” and “J”. The rear is marked “6672” with a crown “C” stamp, and a Prussian eagle stamp. The side of the cylinder is marked 1-6. The top of the axis pin is marked “6672” and with a small crown stamp. The front of the loading gate is marked with a crown stamp, “l”, and “6672”. The backstrap is marked “23. R. A. 2. 42.” and with a crown stamp. The side plate screws, safety lever, axis pin release button, loading gate screw, grip panel screw, and grip panel washers are all marked “72”.
Barrel Length: 4.6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post formed into the barrel. The rear sight is a shallow v-notch cut into the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: There are two separate wood panels for grips. There are compression marks and scuffs throughout each panel. There is more wear near the bottom of the panels. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The side plate has some of its deep blue finish present, with areas of oxidation. There is oxidation on the bottom of the trigger guard as well as a few small impact marks along the edges. The screw heads show light use. The pins are unmarred. The markings are mostly clear and some have been painted white. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a leather holster.
Our Assessment: The Model 1883 Reichsrevolver was a further development of the Model 1879, taking into account many of the complaints that were had with large and unwieldy size while still being chambered in the 10.6mmR cartridge. The barrel was shortened and the diameter was thinned, the shank was compressed, the muzzle ring was removed, the sights were lowered, the grip was made much smaller, the lanyard ring was made smaller, there were more relief cuts in the cylinder, and the safety lever was smaller. This reduced the weight by nearly a pound as well. The non-ejecting single action was also retained. The M1883 served as the primary sidearm of the Imperial German Army into the 20th century, being completely replaced for frontline use by the P08 Luger. Reserve units were still issued the M1883 during the First World War and the revolvers would continue to see service into the Second World War with security and customs officers. This example was made by the Royal Erfurt Arsenal in 1894. The unit marking on the backstrap indicates that it was weapon number 42 assigned to the 2nd Company of the Prussian 23rd Reserve Field Artillery Regiment. The grips have a few compression marks throughout each panel. The metal retains some of its finish, with most of it being on the side plate. The bore is bright with light to moderate erosion. The marked parts have matching serial numbers, including the side plate screws. The revolver comes with a leather holster. This would fit into any German or First World War collection. Please see our photos.
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