Lot 1342

Engraved and Inscribed Mauser "Baby" 1878 "Zig-Zag" Revolver

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Engraved and Inscribed Mauser "Baby" 1878 "Zig-Zag" Revolver

Estimate: $2,750 - $4,250

Starting Bid: $2,250

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Engraved Mauser "Baby" Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" Single Action Revolver with Oberndorf Veterans Association Inscription Manufactured c. 1886-1896, the "Baby" "Zig-Zag" takes the robust and mechanically intriguing 1878 and scales it down, making a compact handgun more suitable for civilian use or concealed carry. Mechanically and ergonomically, all the features of the larger model are present, including the fixed sights, top-hinged barrel assembly with ring lever release/extractor mechanism, and a fine set of hard rubber grips with raised dragon and scroll motifs. In addition to the "GEBR. MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N. WURTTEMBERG. 1878." address on the barrel rib, this Zig-Zag has been finely engraved over 75% of the surface, with scroll engraving with textured backgrounds, checkerboard panels on the sides and frontstrap, and a large floral pattern on the back of the recoil shield. Fancy script engraving is present on the frame, with "Veteranen Verein/Oberndorf a/N. s/m." (Veterans Association/Oberndorf am Neckar s/m.) on the left and a blank panel on the right. Established in many German-speaking cities and communities in the 1700s and 1800s, Veterans Associations served to both provide camaraderie to mustered out soldiers and mutual support for the wounded and invalid, similar to many American fraternal organizations. Over time, as social welfare programs caught up to the needs of former soldiers, the associations became more social affairs while growing progressively more connected to the government establishment, becoming a de facto militia and military reserve. On previously observed examples, the right panel has been used to inscribe the revolvers to individual recipients.

Manufacturer: Mauser

Model: 1878

BBL: 3 5/8 inch solid rib

Gauge: 8mm Centerfire

Finish: nickel

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number908

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler
  • Condition: Fine, with 98% plus replated nickel finish, with minor handling marks overall and sharp detail in the engraving. The grips are also very fine, with minor scuffs and fine detail. The mainspring is a bit stiff; otherwise, mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000