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LOT 1428
Rare Early Production Solid
Frame German Mauser Model 1878 “Zig-Zag” Single
Action Revolver, Serial Number 61 - Serial no. 61, 11 mm cal., 5
5/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Developed in 1878, the Model
1878 or C78 “Zig-Zag” revolver was the first revolver designed and developed by
the Mauser firm. This rare example is the “Zig-Zag” in its earlier form, a solid frame,
single action revolver with loading gate feed, in contrast to the hinged top-break model. An unknown but certainly very
limited number of these solid frame revolvers were made for a short time in 1878 prior to the introduction of the hinged
frame model, of which two separate hinged frame designs are depicted in German patents, issued a month apart between March and
April of 1878 (2564 and 3903), with no known patents issued depicting the solid frame variation as seen here. A competitor to be the first
centerfire cartridge-fed handgun adopted by the German military, the C78 “Zig-Zag” scored high marks in overall performance, though
concerns about the complexity of the design led them to choose the Model 1879 Reichsrevolver instead. 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 side gate also depresses the tooth of the bar out of the cylinder track,
permitting free spin of the cylinder, with a free-hand ejector pin stored in the cylinder pin to remove the spent casings. Fixed half moon blade front sight, integral notch rear sight, with “PATENT”
on top of the rear area of the barrel, and “GEBr MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N” on the left side of the frame, with a niter blue cylinder
stop on the left behind the cylinder, and “61” on the frame, cylinder, barrel, cylinder pin, ejector pin, hammer, loading gate and grips. The
knurled hammer and serrated loading gate are finished in fine case
color, with a niter blue trigger, safety lever and screws, a pair of finely
checkered walnut grips, and a lanyard swivel ring on bottom of butt.
CONDITION: Very fine, 70% plus original high polish blue finish on the frame
and barrel, with areas of brown and gray patina on the balance, a few small
patches of shallow pitting, spotting under the grips, edge wear and mild handling marks. The cylinder has mostly turned a mixed gray with traces of bright
niter blue, stronger on the cylinder catch, while the hammer and loading gate retain strong case color, gently
fading with age on the exterior and retaining flashes of vivid color in the protected areas. Grips are also
very fine, with minor dings. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
LOT 1429
German Mauser “Baby” Model 1878 “Zig-Zag” Single Action
Revolver - Serial no. 1010, 7.65 mm cal., 3 5/8 inch solid rib bbl.,
nickel finish, gutta percha grips. Manufactured c. 1886-1896, the
“Baby” Zig-Zag takes the hinge frame variation of the 1878 Zig-Zag and scales
it down to a size more suitable for pocket carry and personal protection. It retains
the distinctive Zig-Zag mechanical features including the namesake tracked cylinder, break action
loading, and manual ejector; unorthodox by the standards of the day, but well designed and effective.
Blade and notch sights, 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, 85% plus original nickel finish, with minor flaking, spotting and handling marks.
The grips show a few minor scratches and strong detail in the decoration. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500