Antique (no PAL) RARE Serial 91x Mauser C78 Model 1878 Zig Zag Revolver in 7.6x20mmR precursor to Reichsrevolver and C96 Broomhandle

sale pending I am parting with my extremely rare Mauser C78 "Zigzag" revolver in 7.6x20mmR made by Mauser's Waffenfabrik Oberndorf. Only about 3000 were EVER made across all chamberings from 1878-1896 making surviving examples extremely rare. These incredible revolvers were a critical step in the advancement of modern revolver design, made by Paul Mauser himself, and were the first ever German centerfire revolver that paved the way for the semi-auto Mauser C96 Broomhandle. The name "Zigzag" comes from the cylinder channels that advance the cylinder, which gives this revolver the most reliable lockup and indexing you could ever ask for. The Mauser 1878 zig-zag mechanism is so reliable it was chosen as the inspiration for Japanese Yoshitomo Imura's 3D printed zig-zag revolver which got him arrested in 2014, which was the first ever case of someone being arrested for a 3D printed firearm in the world. It was also the inspiration for the Webley-Fosberry zig-zag revolver which was used through WW2. While these were very reliable revolvers, they were rejected by the German Spandau Commission because of complex mechanics in favor of the simpler yes clunkier M1879 Reichsrevolver when selecting for the nation's next service revolver. As a pre-1898 Antique, this revolver can be bought and owned in Canada without any registration or tracking.

This revolver is cool! The hinged design allows it to open by locking the cylinder then opening the release latch in front of the trigger guard. This is a single action revolver, and all mechanics appear functional and reliable with consistent indexing, timing, and firing. The lockup is extremely tight and the mainspring is strong. The rifling down the 3 5/8" barrel is sharp, shiny, and well defined. The trigger return spring is slightly weak but still resets.

Visuals are as seen. Surfaces show some patches of minor wear and scuffs, but about 55% of the original vibrant blueing remains, especially strong on the sides, cylinder latch' and cylinder face. The top strap is stamped "MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N. WURRTEMBERG 1878". The serial 9xx is stamped on the cylinder face. The original ornate gutta percha grips are in great shape with no cracks or major wear. 

Overall this is a highly sought after piece of history that any established Antique collector will envy.

No PAL, 18+

Ships in Canada

Comes with FRT page, leather holster optional for $75

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I make no claim about safety of ANY antique. Ask a smith!