Lot 1341

Early Production Mauser Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" Revolver

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Early Production Mauser Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" Revolver

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000

Starting Bid: $1,800

(0 Bids)

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

Early Production Mauser Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" Single Action Revolver 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. 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. "GEBR.MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N.WURTTEMBERG.1878.PATENT" on the rib, with niter blue cylinder and safety lever, casehardened latch lever and hammer, and checkered hardwood grips.

Manufacturer: Mauser

Model: 1878

BBL: 5 1/2 inch solid rib

Gauge: 10.6x25mmR

Finish: blue

Grips: walnut

Serial Number638

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler
  • Condition: Fine as professionally restored, with 98% high polish blue finish, showing light edge wear and minor handling marks. Strong case colors and niter blue on the small parts. The grips are also fine, slightly undersized, with minor dings. 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