Mauser "Zigzag" Revolver Patent Model and its Unique Cartridge

Published on September 16, 2020
Duration: 8:38

This guide details the Mauser 1878 'Zigzag' Revolver patent model, as presented by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers historical context, unique features like its zigzag cylinder rotation and bottlenecked cartridge, differences between the patent and production models, and its performance in military trials. McCollum, a recognized expert in historical firearms, provides an in-depth look at this rare piece.

Quick Summary

The Mauser 1878 Zigzag Revolver patent model is a rare prototype distinguished by its rounded zigzag cylinder grooves and initial use of a bottlenecked 11mm cartridge. It differed from production models with a longer barrel and frame markings. Ultimately rejected for military service due to complexity and cost, it lost to the simpler 1879 Reichsrevolver.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Mauser 1878 Zigzag
  2. 01:00German Patenting System Explained
  3. 02:00Patent Model vs. Production Differences
  4. 03:18Unique Bottlenecked Ammunition
  5. 05:11Mechanical and Aesthetic Variations
  6. 06:27Original Disassembly Tool
  7. 07:08Military Trials and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mauser 1878 Zigzag Revolver patent model?

The Mauser 1878 Zigzag Revolver patent model is an early prototype of the firearm submitted for patenting in 19th-century Germany. It features unique design elements like rounded zigzag cylinder grooves and initially used a bottlenecked cartridge, differing from later production models.

What made the Mauser 1878 Zigzag Revolver's cartridge unique?

The Mauser 1878 Zigzag Revolver initially used a rare 11mm bottlenecked cartridge, derived from the Mauser 1871 rifle round. This was later replaced by a standard 10.55mm German ordnance round at the request of the German testing commission.

How did the patent model of the Mauser 1878 Zigzag differ from production versions?

The patent model had a longer barrel, lacked a safety lever, and featured frame markings ('GEBR MAUSER & CO OBERNDORF/N') instead of barrel markings. Its cylinder's zigzag grooves were rounded, unlike the squared grooves on production models.

Why was the Mauser 1878 Zigzag Revolver rejected for military service?

Despite its innovative design and reliability, the Mauser 1878 Zigzag was deemed too complex and expensive for military adoption. It lost out to the simpler and cheaper 1879 Reichsrevolver, which even lacked an extraction mechanism.

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