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LOT 1397
Exquisite Presentation
Engraved German Mauser Baby
Model 1878 “Zig-Zag” Single
Action Revolver, Inscribed to Dr.
Gossman, Board Member of the
Veterans Association of Oberndorf
- Serial no. 1025, 7.6 mm cal., 3 5/8 inch
solid rib bbl., nickel finish, gutta percha grips. Manufactured c. 1886-1896
as a hinged frame example. Offered here is an exquisite presentation
engraved Mauser Baby “Zig-Zag” revolver, with “Veteranen Verein/
Oberndorf a/N. s/m.” (Veterans Association/Oberndorf a/N. s/m.) inscribed
in two lines in fancy script on the left of the frame and “Vorstand/Dr.
Gossman” (Board/Dr. Gossman) on the right. The Veterans Association
of Oberndorf was formed in the early 1850s as a means of community
and providing aid for disabled veterans. No further information has
been located in relation to Dr. Gossman at the current time, although
this embellished revolver appears to have been presented to him for his
contributions as a prominent board member of the Veterans Association
of Oberndorf. It features highly attractive engraving on the frame, barrel
and topstrap assembly, and cylinder, consisting of intricate floral scroll
designs and pattern borders. Developed in 1878, the “Zig-Zag” revolver
was the first handgun designed and developed by Paul Mauser and his
firm, while still operating in partnership with Wilhelm Mauser as the
Mauser Brothers (prior to 1884). A competitor to be the first centerfire
cartridge-fed handgun adopted by the German military, the 1878
scored high marks in overall performance, though concerns about the
complexity of the design led them to choose the 1879 Reichsrevolver
instead. In 1886, the hinged frame variation was introduced. A number
are believed to have seen service as privately purchased
military sidearms. At the heart of the mechanism is the
combination of an angular track (the titular “Zig-Zag”)
machined into the side of the cylinder and a toothed
reciprocating bar linked to the hammer, which serves
to both advance and lock the cylinder, in contrast to
the more commonly seen pawl/sprocket and stop
arrangement. Additionally, the spring responsible
for resetting the cocking bar also powers the
hammer, replacing the grip frame mounted leaf
spring commonly seen in that era. For loading,
the barrel assembly is hinged at the rear of the
top strap, automatically pushing the hammer
back to the safety notch when opened, with the
closure latch doubling as the lever for a star-pattern
extractor assembly. Sights are fixed, with “GEBR.
MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N. WURTTEMBERG.
1878”on top of the barrel rib, and the matching full and
partial serial number marked on various components. With a
pair of finely decorated gutta percha grip panels with raised dragon
and floral themed decorations.
CONDITION: Very fine as presentation embellished, retains 99% bright
nickel finish, with minimal handling evidence, and absolutely sharp
engraving overall. Grips are excellent, with distinct edges. Mechanically
excellent. This is a highly attractive example of an embellished
presentation engraved Mauser Baby “Zig-Zag” revolver!
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000