OK, Boys...What Is This Old Revolver?

nunn

And I am giving you pictures.















It appears to be single action, about .44 caliber. The ejector rod is missing, as are the grips. It has a safety lever that only operates with the hammer at rest.

I am thinking Belgian, but the surface has been pitted and cleaned to the point that most of the markings are gone. The last two digits of the serial number are visible on several parts, though.

So, what is it? And, is it worth anything?

Wolf.

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I don't know the maker of the gun, however the value could be between $40 and $80 I would guess, based on it obviously being 100+ years in age. Personally, I think the $40-55 dollar range is more like it, especially since there are parts (probably irreplaceable) missing.

My idea of a market for this gun would be a no-fees sale to a SAS cowboy action shooter wanting a "belly gun" to stick in his rear waistband as a costume accoutrement.

rufe-snow

It's a Model 1883 German military Reichsrevolver. To bad it's in such poor condition, it would be worth good money, if it was original and in good shape.

Mk 19

From the 3rd edition of the Standard Catalog of Military Firearms:

Model 1883
5" stepped octagon Barrel and round bottom grips with lanyard loop. Wieght is about 32 OZ. The finish on early producton guns was browned, and the balance of production the finish was blued. Regimental Markings are located on the backtrap. In use from 1885 until 1919. Mauser built M1883's are rare.

Exc 850
VG 600
Good 400
Fair 250
Poor 175

Note: For mauser built revolvers add 250%

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=93272423
http://www.myarmoury.com/feature_fgp.html

nunn

Follow-up question: Would you characterize it as a pre-1899 antique?

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by nunn
Follow-up question: Would you characterize it as a pre-1899 antique?


Difficult question to answer, as their are few discernible markings on yours. And the Germans I Believe made then into the early 1900's. The German Army didn't adopt the Luger as their standard sidearm until 1908.

Mk 19

quote:Follow-up question: Would you characterize it as a pre-1899 antique?

David, It was used till 1919, so it would be hard to say exactly when your revolver was made, especially since there are no markings left on the gun. No if you can tell that the gun was browned insted of blued then you would have a pre 1890 gun.

bobski

take out a screw and see if its blued.

p3skyking

1893 is the latest they were made. They were obsolesent when they were adopted.

Addendum: The GF marking is a proof mark used by Prussia and Saxoney. Most likely it was made at Erfurt as the Suhl makers had abandoned the model when their contracts ended.