ANTIQUE (no PAL) Exceedingly Rare Mauser Zig-Zag C1878 Experimental Revolver, Mint-Like, 9mm German Ordnance / .38 S&W, Matching Serials, c. 1886

This rarity is one of the scarcest German military-era revolvers a collector will ever find - a Mauser C78 "Zig-Zag". Chambered in 9mm German Ordnance, it also happens to flawlessly chamber .38 Smith & Wesson cartridges making procurement of functional ammunition simple. This is a genuine Mauser "Zig-Zag", manufactured circa 1886 - as a pre-1898 antique, no PAL or registration is required for you to buy and own.

Mechanics

Barrel measures 5 1/4" with strong rifling still clearly present. The action cycles crisp and clean through every position with a trigger pull that belies its age. The signature zig-zag mechanism - a spiral groove cut into the cylinder that engages a fixed stud on the frame to rotate and lock the cylinder as the hammer is drawn back - remains tight and functions exactly as designed, timing perfectly with no play or drag.

Visuals

Mint-level condition with a striking three-tone finish rarely seen surviving intact. The cylinder, lanyard ring, top latch/cylinder catch, and screw heads retain a vivid electric blue. The frame carries a smokey grey finish, while the ejector lever and hammer show rich straw and case-hardened colors. Hardwood grips are excellent, with strong, well-defined checkering and no dings or wear. The top strap is crisply stamped "HERR MAUSER & Ce A/ N. WURTTEMBERG 1878 PATENT," and all serial numbers on the revolver match at 25X.

History

Paul Mauser patented the Zig-Zag mechanism in 1878, engineering a revolver that used its namesake spiral cylinder groove to achieve mechanically precise cylinder timing and lockup - a genuinely innovative solution for its era. The build quality was premium, but the added mechanical complexity worked against it: the German military ultimately passed it over in favor of the far simpler, cheaper-to-produce Reichsrevolver M/1879 for standard service issue. As a result, Zig-Zag production numbers were low, and surviving examples in any condition are hard to find. In 1886 an improved 9mm, more reliable hinged model was designed - this is one of those.

A must-have for the serious collector of German arms and early revolver history, and a fascinating piece for anyone drawn to innovative mechanical design.

Buy with confidence - I don't like drama so I offer a 3-day non-firing inspection period after delivery for money back guarantee if your item is not as expected.

No PAL, 18+, comes with FRT antique page, ships Canada

I give no legal advice, nor make claims about safety.

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