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Scarce 1878 Mauser "Zig-Zag" Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Scarce 1878 Mauser  Zig-Zag  Pistol
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This is a fine example of a very scarce Mauser Model 1878, revolver in 11mm. The revolver was nick-named "Zig-Zag" because of the inclined and parallel grooves machined on the outside of the cylinder to rotate the cylinder. Other unusual features include the ring-type cylinder locking lever located ahead of the trigger guard, and a safety latch on the left side of the frame that prevents the cylinder from rotating when engaged. The top of the barrel rib is roll-engraved "GEBR.MAUSER&CIE OBERNDORF A/N. WURTTEMBERG.1878.PATENT" in one line. The revolver has two-piece checkered walnut grips and the round butt is fitted with a lanyard ring. These pistols have a rust blued finish with a casehardened finish on the cylinder latch, trigger and hammer. There is no visible serial number on the frame and on the rear face of the cylinder and the back side of the grips are numbered 581. Although well manufactured and reliable, the Mauser Model 1878 was expensive to manufacture and had limited commercial sales. Examples of this distinctive Mauser revolver are scarce.
BBL: 5 9/16 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 11 mm
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 581
Condition: Fine, but incomplete, with 30% of the original blue finish remaining mostly on the lower half of the frame, the sides of the cylinder and in the protected areas overall with the balance of the pistol having a gray patina finish. The grips are in very good plus condition with distinct checkering on both sides showing honest wear across the top of the checkering. The pistol is generally intact however it is missing the complete hammer and hammer pin and may also be missing some internal parts. For the person who has a damaged pistol or spare parts somewhere, this could be a real score of a very rare pistol.