Swiss Revolver Model 1882 Explained by Gerard Henrotin lela Te twee le Pe ela ealThe Swiss Revolver Model 1882 Explained by Gerard Henrotin Field dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 Advanced dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (I - Dismounting the ejector rod and release spring - Dismounting the side plate and left grip plate Advanced dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (Il - Dismounting the main spring and rebound lever - Dismounting the trigger and hand (pawl) Advanced dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (II) - Dismounting the hammer and its components - Dismounting the loading gate and spring Functioning of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (1 - Cartridge loading - Cartridge unloading - The 7.4mm black powder revolver cartridge Functioning of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (I) -Firing in single action mode - Revalving of the cylinder - Hammer cocked and loading gate lowered Functioning of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (111) - Firing in double action mode - Rebounding of the hammer Early Swiss service revolvers - Revolver Chamelot Delvigne Model 1872 - Galand model tested by the Swiss commission - Revolver Model 1872/78 - Revolver Model 1878 - Lock of Wamant type Ewoll ion of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 - Wood grip plates - Removable shoulder stock - Mechanical improvements in the model 1862 - Early model 1882 - Removable recoil plate - Improved loading gate - The cyclist model - The model 1882/29 Producers and markings - Producers of the revolver Model 1882 - Serial number - Commercial production and m - Sequential takedown figures - Inspector markings ary gun sold after discharge Accessories relating to the Swiss revolver Model 1882 - Service holsters for the revolver Model 1882 and 1882/29 - Customs halster - Cartridge pouch - Takedown and cleaning tool -User manualsField dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 The field dismounting is limited to the cylinder disassembly in order for the user to be able to easily clean the barrel and the cylinder's chambers. Barrel axis rod located below the barrel Axis rod entering the forward opening of the cylinder axis tunnel The cylinder is bored through at its centre, and a large axis rod crosses it from end to end. This axis rod carries a longitudinal curved leaf spring that expands and rubs against the cylinder axis tunnel inner circumference. The latter being a little bit more large at the center then at both openings. The slight pressure (but real) exerted by the spring slows down the cylinder's rotation speed. With this type of system, in which the cylinder cannot rotate "freely" on its axis, the trigger, when pulled in double action mode, may have to overcome an excessive weight that is for a great part due to the cylinder's rubbing against the axis spring. The axis rod emerges from the rear face of the cylinder, and engages a dead hole drilled into the standing breech, while the forward portion of the rod is sustained by the frame through which it passes before reaching the cylinder. To dismount the cylinder, quite logically, the first step is to remove its axis rod toward the front. But as you have probably noticed, the forward tip of the axis rod is blocked by the ejector rod, whose serrated extension is rotated just ahead of the axis rod. Ejector rod rotated toward the right from its resting position below the barrel In order to clear the path the axis rod, just rotate the ejector rod thumb extension from below the barrel as shown above. Note that by rotating the ejector rod, not only are you clearing the axis rod forward path, but also you are acting on the release spring that is screwed on the right side of the frame. Dead hole in the axis rod aw Release spring stud entering the dead hole of the axis rod The release spring has a stud on its under face that enters a dead hole in the axis rod, through a short tunnel drilled into the frame. Release spring bearing against the flat profile When the ejector rod thumb piece is positioned under the barrel, the release spring bears against a flat area of the ejector rod. This allows the release spring stud to reach the axis rod locking hole. Edges between flat areas Release spring bearing against the first edge between two flats When the ejector rod is rotated toward the right, the flat profile vanishes progressively to be replaced by a first edge that links the second flat area. This first edge is almost at the same level as the rod periphery. When bearing against this edge, the release spring is slightly pulled outward, and this should be sufficient to have its locking stud disengaged from the axis rod dead hole. The release spring disengaged from the axis rod, and the thumb piece of the ejector being no longer in its path, one can pull the axis rod toward the front as shown above. Swinging down the loading gate toward the rear When the axis rod is removed, the cylinder may be extracted out of the frame by the right side, but this cannot be done until the loading gate is lowered toward the rear. This last step puts an end to the field dismounting. Each chamber of the cylinder can now be thoroughly inspected, and a cleaning red may be passed through the barrel without any hindrance.Advanced dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (I} -Dismounting the ejector rod and release spring The release spring is retained by one screw. On dismounting this latter, the release spring can be removed from the frame hole in which its stud is inserted. Ejection rod sliding around its guide The ejector rod is hollow and houses a long guide with a screw head. The guide has a short thread just behind its slotted head, and is screwed in the barrel lateral abutment. On unscrewing the screw head of the guide, this latter can be pulled forward out of the ejector rod tunnel. The ejector red can then be removed toward the front by tilting it down out of the frame collar through which it travels with a great amount of play. -Dismounting the side plate and left grip plate The action mechanism is protected by a hinged cover plate that covers the left side of the frame. The plate is maintained closed by a large cross screw, whose head emerges on the rear end of the frame right side. Be On unscrewing this screw, the side plate is progressively rotated on its pivot until being completely detached from the retaining screw. Unscrewing the side plate pivot screw The side plate can pivot widely toward the front, leaving access to the whole action mechanism. On removing its pivot screw, the side plate may be detached from the frame. Lift the grip plate out of the frame retaining stud. Lift the left grip plate out of engagement with the small retaining stud located in the bottom of the grip frame and remove the plate. Note that the side plate large retaining screw at the upper corner of the grip is locked by a small cross screw. This to prevent the possible dropping (and possible loss) of the retaining screw when tilting the frame when working on the side plate.Advanced dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (Il) -Dismounting the main spring and rebound lever Just above the bottom of the grip frame is a short post that may be rotated, and which is terminated by a thumb piece. Beside the post was drilled a hole to accept the main spring fastening stud. The rebound lever is fitted with a hook at its lower extremity that is attached to the post, while the main spring is placed beside the rebound lever with its fastening stud engaged into the grip frame hole. Rotate the serrated retaining bloc of the post toward the left in order to get the main spring cleared. The main spring must be now unhooked from the hammer stirrup one way or another. Main spring compressed with pliers In some revolver designs, the mainspring is disengaged from the hammer stirrup by compressing it with pliers, and rotating the stirrup out of engagement. But you will lose your time by trying it with this model. Even when fully compressed you will never get the spring upper fork sufficiently lowered to allow the stirrup to be tilted out of engagement. At best you will get the stirrup pin resting on the forward flat of the spring fork. Main spring anchorage stud Main spring fork The right, and only, way is to first remove the main spring anchorage stud from its positioning hole in the grip frame, and to rotate the spring until its fork is disengaged from the hammer stirrup. Once the main spring is removed the rebound lever may be easily detached from the grip frame post. - Dismounting the trigger and hand Hand (or pawl) behind the frame The trigger, which is merely attached to the frame by a stationary pin screwed into the frame, can be removed by simply pulling it off. Note however that the hand (also called pawl) must be tilted toward the rear for if it remains behind the frame, has shown above (red arrow), it will prevent the removal of the trigger. The hand is loosely pinned through the trigger body and may be easily detached.Advanced dismounting of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (Ill) - Dismounting the hammer and its components Hammer blocked by its forward breast extension that remains under the frame edge The trigger removal gives full access to the hammer that may be pulled off. But this cannot be done before the hammer is swung to the rear (shown above) to clear its forward breast extension from the frame edge. The hammer carries two secondary parts retained by pivot screws, and a tiny coil spring. The hammer catch, located at the front, has been dismounted, but the stirrup has been left in place because its pivot screw was too tightly screwed, and partially "riveted" after the bright finishing. - Dismounting the loading gate and spring Upper arm of the spring fully engaged into the gate axis pin The loading gate is plugged into a hole located on the right side of the frame, and is retained by the extremity of a leaf spring whose upper extremity enters a groove in the pivot of the gate. Cam inside the loading gate pivot The removal of the loading gate requires first to disengage the upper spring limb from the retaining groove. To ease this operation, positioned the loading gate midway between its two extreme positions. The inner cam, inside the pivot (deep brown), will push the spring upper limb near the periphery of the gate axis. Removal of the loading gate by the right side of the frame By pushing down a little more the spring arm, the loading gate becoming free of any pressure on its pivot, and can be pushed out of the frame. The gate retaining spring is maintained by a short screw whose slit head is on the right side of the frame.Functioning of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (I) - Cartridge loading Cartridge engaged through the loading port For loading and unloading cartridges, this revolver is provided with a pivoting loading gate on the right side of the frame. But do not expect to swing back the gate, and start loading a full cylinder without any other complication. It would be too simple for a Swiss mechanism. Once the first cartridge is introduced in the chamber in line, you will soon discover that the cylinder does not accept to be rotated by hand to align the next chamber. Locking stud engaged into the cylinder depression You have probably noted that the cylinder bears a series of small rectangular cuts on its periphery. These depressions are engaged, one after another, by the forward extension of the trigger when released by the shooter. Consequently, you will unable to rotate the cylinder until a notch is engaged by the trigger locking stud. The only way is to rotate the cylinder through a series of trigger pulls. But as you can probably foresee, this way of doing will also action the hammer as the gun works in double action. It would'nt be practical, to say the least, to have the hammer rotated - and necessarily released - between each cartridge loaded. To solve this problem the loading gate was modified following the "Abadie" principle that prevents the hammer's rotation while the trigger rotates the cylinder. When the loading gate is lowered, the cam (red color) at the inner extremity of its pivot (brown color) bears against the hammer catch (green color), and pushes it against the hammer breast. Full rotation of the trigger By so doing, the hammer is completely disconnected from the lock, and the cylinder could be rapidly revolved by successive pulling on the trigger. Note that the loading gate cam has been cut (red arrow above) to allow a full raising of the trigger's sear (rear extremity of the trigger). When the cylinder has reached the correct alignment, it is stopped by the second locking stud of the trigger (yellow arrow above). - Cartridge unloading When a cartridge is not fired, it can be dropped out of the gun by simply tilting it up side down with the loading gate open. To unload fired cartridge cases from the cylinder, you have first to unlock the ejector rod from behind the barrel by rotating it toward the right side as shown above. Now, one by one, by pulling the trigger to align each chamber in front of the ejector rod, eject the cases by pushing them out of the chamber as shown above. When the work is done, do not forget to re-position the ejector rod below the barrel and to close the loading gate. - The 7.5mm black powder revolver cartridge First of, it must be said that the 7.5mm Swiss revolver cartridge is similar to the one used in the Swedish Nagant Model 1887 revolver. Initially those cartridges were provided with a projectile whose base was wrapped into a paper collar to prevent barrel leading. Caliber 7.5mm Swedish Nagant m/87 - Swiss pose 1882 - 1929 Projectile weight Grams 6.7 Grams Projectile weight 103 Grains Grains V0 mps 223 mps V0 fps 731 fps Propellant Black powder Propellant weight in 0.7 Grams grams. . Propellant weight in 10.8 Grains grains . » 8.10 35.00 22.60 ¥ 1.40 «9.10> > 10.25 <« Dimensions are given in millimeters Bertram Brass 7.5mm Swedish Nagant Revolver Box of 20 Manufacturer #: BERT7.SNAG Bertram Bullet Co Pty Lid is a company based in Seymour in the Australian state of Victoria. Managing Director: Bruce Bertram Modern smokeless cartridges were loaded by Norma for the Swedish Nagant that can also be used in the Swiss revolver.Functioning of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (II) - Firing in single action mode Initial state before single action firing The initial state of the gun before firing in single action mode is shown above. For the sake of clarity, the trigger guard has been removed. As you can see, the trigger is fully released, and its forward locking stud engages the corresponding depression of the cylinder. The hammer is in its rebound position with its nose away from the cartridge case vicinity. Early stage of the hammer manual cocking Lifting of the trigger rear extension by the hammer (black circle) Pull now the hammer rearwards manually (black arrow), and let we see what is happening. The forward lower extension of the hammer progressively lifts the rear extension of the trigger (black circle) which is consequently forced to rotate (red arrow) on its axle. The hammer rotates against the upper arm of the main spring that is compressed, and stores an amount of energy to be delivered later. As soon as the trigger starts its rotation, its forward locking stud is disengaged from the cylinder locking depression. The cylinder becomes totally free to rotate at its turn on its axle. While pivoting, the trigger brings along the hand that is pinned on it left side. The hand pushes on one of the ratchet's teeth, and the cylinder begins to revolve. The rebound lever, which bears on a shoulder on the under side of the hand is also lifted through the hand, and rotates (blue arrow) around its anchorage pin. The rebound lever rotates against the lower limb of the main spring. Hammer drawn at full cock position until engaged by the sear At the end of its rearwards rotation, the hammer cock notch is engaged by the sear. Note that the rear locking stud of the trigger (red circle above) is now meshing with one of the rear locking cuts of the cylinder. At this stage, the hand is still exerting a pressure on the cylinder ratchet that consequently maintains the abutment of the cylinder's locking cut against the trigger stud. Hammer engaged by the sear (black circle) When the hammer is retained by the sear (integral with the trigger), a short pull on the trigger will disengage the sear, and the hammer will drop on the cartridge primer. Hammer after its drop and before the trigger is released - Revolving of the cylinder Either in single or double action mode, the cylinder is always revolved the same way through the action of the hand on the ratchet. The ratchet in this model is integral with the cylinder. It has a star like base and the center carries a series of six teeth that have each a short flat bearing on which can push the tip of the hand. The picture above shows how the tip of the hand pushes on the ratchet. When the hand reaches its upmost position, the cylinder is locked between the hand thrust and the trigger stud, that prevents any further rotation of the cylinder. When the trigger is released, the hand is lowered, and its tip slips over the next tooth. With time, the multiple drags of the hand have left bright tracks on the upper face of the ratchet teeth. The hand reaches the cylinder ratchet through a rectangular cut in the standing breech (red arrows above). - Hammer cocked and loading gate lowered When the hammer is cocked, and the loading gate is lowered, the under face of the “Abadie" cam reaches the upper face of the trigger rear extension so close, that the trigger becomes immobilized and cannot disengage the hammer.Functioning of the Swiss revolver Model 1882 (Ill) - Firing in double action mode In the single action firing, as depicted previously, the hammer is cocked manually, and the unique action of the trigger is to release the hammer. In the double action firing, the trigger has first to cock the hammer, and secondly to release it at the end of its rotation. Two consecutive actions from which is drawn the name of this way of firing. Early stage of the trigger pull in double action mode Lifting of the hammer (red circle) by the trigger In double action firing (DA), the process begins with the lifting of the hammer through the hammer catch (green color) that is raised (red circle) by the rear extension of the trigger. End of hammer lifting The hammer is lifted until the trigger slip out of engagement (black circle) with the hammer catch. The hammer then drops on the cartridge primer. You will notice that in single action mode (left picture above), the hammer is released from a little bit farther in its rotation. Consequently it benefits from more spring energy than in double action mode. This might be a problem with weaker springs that could not transmit to the hammer sufficient power to properly crush the cartridge primer when used in DA mode. This is why some early revolvers working in SA and DA mode were often fitted with some kind of adjusting device (often a simple screw going through the frame) to modulate the spring tension in order to secure a perfect primer crushing either mode used. The problem being that the more tension provided, and the more uneasy was the trigger pulling in DA mode, with a fairly chance to miss the target. - Rebounding of the hammer Instant of the primer percussion First step of the trigger releasing After firing, the shooter releases progressively the trigger. This latter rotates back by the pressure of the rebound lever on the inner shoulder of the hand (yellow circle above). Note that the rear tip of the trigger drags onto the face of the forward hammer catch that is pushed against its spring to clear the way for the trigger. Rebound lever bearing against the hammer heel The inner face of the rebound lever is provided with a large shoulder that is used to push on the hammer's heel. When the trigger is released, the rebound hammer gets progressively down until contacting the hammer heel. From then on, the hammer is forced to rotate under the pressure of the rebound lever. Hammer unable now to rotate toward the front The drawing above shows the last step of the hammer rebound. The sear portion of the trigger got back below the hammer hand that has projected itself toward the front under the pressure of its tiny coil spring. The gun is now secured against any blow on the hammer that could involuntarily crush the primer.Early Swiss service revolvers - Revolver Chamelot Delvigne Model 1872 The first revolver to be drafted into service in the Swiss military forces, by 1872, was a model designed by Chamelot Delvigne. Schweizerischer Galand-Revolver, 187 gq Galand model tested by the Swiss commission Galand and Sommerville's patent no.3039 of 1868 After a first round of tests, it had eventually to compete with two remaining contenders: a Galand model shield-type shell ejector in 12mm caliber, and a Smith & Wesson top break and star-type shell ejector, in 11mm caliber. The Chamelot design had underwent some modifications under the supervision of Major Rudolf Schmidt (1832 - 1898) who for four years (1871 - 1875) was manager of the federal small arms assembly workshop located in Bern, and became the first director of the federal weapon factory established in 1875 on the site of the former assembly plant. Swiss revolver Model 1872 Ordonanzrevolver Modell 1872 Strangely enough, the "Ordonanzrevolver Modell 1872" was chambering a rim-fire cartridge (caliber 11mm), when the general trend of the time was to use a center-fire cartridge. A first order for 800 revolvers was issued, and the production was realized by the Belgian firm Pirlot Fréres of Liége. By the end of 1873 the order had been fulfilled and delivered to the Bern Arsenal. In 1877, another bulk of 100 revolvers Model 1872 were ordered. - Revolver Model 1872/78 By 1878, all the revolvers Model 1872 were progressively upgraded to fire a center-fire cartridge. From then on, the former Modell 1872 were known as Modell 1872/78. To adapt, the previous model to a center-fire cartridge, the hammer firing pin was modified as was the firing pin hole in the frame that was lowered. Model 1972 modified 78 The loading gate of the newly converted model was also modified. Actually, a new stronger spring (part #9 above) was applied to the rear of the gate which improved the gate opening and closing. Useless to say that both models are extremely rare today, and if offered on the collector market are likely to reach top prices. Theoretically, all the models 1872 were converted to fire a center-fire cartridge. But who knows if one or two were not left untouched. - Revolver Model 1878 In 1878, the Swiss authorities approved a new revolver design that had to become the first service revolver to be manufacture locally at the Waffenfabrik Bern. Production begun in May 1879. Ordonanzrevolver Modell 1878 JOURNE-ViS ET BAGUETTE. BORSTENWISCHER. T. BROSSE The new revolver had a six-shot capacity cylinder, and was chambering a 10.4mm black powder cartridge. The unloading system was still relying on a sliding ejector rod located on the right side of the frame, but the pivoting loading gate had disappeared. Model 1878 - Lock mechanism exposed The lock mechanism was easily exposed by the use of a hinged cover plate installed ‘on the left side of the gun. A principle that was retained for all subsequent models and also adopted by the French for their model 1892 service revolver. Lock of Warnant type The internal mechanism was of Warnant design. A great simplification over the previous model, as it incorporated a rebound lever to automatically set the hammer at a short safe distance of the cartridge case. Note that the separate sear was canceled to the benefit of a sear integral with the trigger. Which simplified a lot the mechanism. Between 5,500 and 6,000 of these revolvers were manufactured by the Bern Waffenfabrik.Evolution of the Model 1882 Model 1882 with rubber grip plates (serial #15340) When it was decided that a new lighter revolver would be more suitable for infantry officers than the model 1878, Rudolf Schmidt designed a gun that was to fire a new 7.5 mm cartridge. Model 1882 retro-fitted with wood grip plates (serial #14126) A total quantity of 37,254 of this model will be produced. From serial number 1 to 20000 the grip plates installed were made of hard rubber. Beyond serial number 20000 wood plates were used. But we can of course find guns below serial 20000 that were retro- fitted with wood plates when it was necessary to change the rubber plates. Even though a sidearm is basically intended for self-defense at short range, Rudolf Schmidt considered that his revolver had enough accuracy at middle and long range to deserve a removable shoulder stock. This shoulder stock was offered on July 2009 at Gunbroker.com - Starting price: $3,950.00 - "buy now" price: $4,250.00 The stock took the form of a holster at the bottom of which was protruding a flat rod that was to be inserted in the rectangular hole at the base of the grip. Note however that the Swiss army never officially issued this removable stock, and consequently very few ‘were manufactured. - Mechanical improvements in the model 1882 During its long service life, the model 1882 underwent some modifications to improve its safety and durability. Among those improvements were : Early model 1882 - serial #1410 - Until serial number 1500, the barrel is octagonal throughout. Beyond this serial number, around flange was added improved the tightening of the barrel against the frame. - A thickening (from 3mm to 4mm) of the top strap of the frame. The revolvers until serial number around 4000 have a thickness of a bare 3mm. From serial number 4000 to 17000, the thickness was comprised between 3mm and 4mm. Beyond serial number 17000, the thickness was at least 4mm. Model not fitted with a removable recoil plate Removable recoil plate dovetailed and secured by a screw - The addition of a removable recoil plate that was dovetailed from the right into the standing breech and secured by a screw. Military models until serial number 4300, and commercial models until serial number 3600 were not fitted with this plate when produced. But some pieces in those ranges may be found retrofitted with the plate. - A modification of the loading gate cam to prevent the disengagement of the sear when the hammer was cocked and the loading gate lowered. Previous loading gate with a cam that did not lock the trigger (red arrow) Hammer stopped by the loading gate cam (black circle) Initially, when the hammer was cocked and the loading gate lowered, the trigger could be sufficiently depressed to disengage the hammer. This later was falling against the loading gate cam and this could eventually lead to its breakage. The loading gate cam was re-designed (broadened) in order to lock the trigger, and prevent it to disengage the hammer cock notch. The sear portion of the trigger is squeezed between the cam and the hammer. - The cyclist model Cyclist model By the end of 1891 the Swiss authorities decided to create liaison units mounted on bicycles. Among the specific equipment required was an adapted revolver model 1882 that is sporting a large lanyard ring. This model is of course exceedingly scarce. Genuine revolvers of this type are found in the following serial ranges only: 3231 to 3487 (257 guns), 5701 to 5740 (40 guns) and 7086 to 7125 (40 guns), From September 1, 1892 to February 19, 1897, a total of 337 such revolvers was manufactured. Be aware that several fakes are known to have been created (as it is often the case now with any rare gun). - The model 1882/29 The model 1882/29 was the last offspring of the breed. The mechanism and parts were simplified to reduce costs where ever it was possible. You will notice that the barrel is no longer of polygonal shape. The top strap of the frame was again strengthened, and the shape of the grip and loading gate were modified. About 18,000 pieces of this model were produced, and the serial range used for the military model was spanning from 50001 to 68229. Note that the left side of the breech shield (red arrow above) was made integral with the cover plate and simplified in shape. The loading gate has been also re-shaped to match up. Beside this, the former screw that was retaining the ejector rod catch was removed, and replaced by a kind of rivet. Left : Model 1882 : Right Model 1882/29 As to the internal lock, one can say that if the whole initial principle remained, almost all the parts were re-designed, and some have even been canceled. Second series Model 1882/299 Swiss Army - serial #67032 The first series of military models 1882/29 (from 50000 to 57000) were carrying bright red/orange grip plates. In subsequent production the plates were brown.Producers and markings - Producers of the revolver Model 1882 During the 19th century, the Swiss Federal "WaffenFabrik" Bern was occupying a central position in the production of firearms intended to the country army forces. “WaffenF abrik" Bern marking | Major Vogelsang, 1879- 1912 : V4 mark | B+ (unknown) As the demand expanded it was obvious that external help was necessary, and the state factory began to subcontract a series of parts with private Swiss companies. A regulation was established in 1884, by which the subcontracted parts had to be verified and approved by inspectors before storage in the "WaffenFabrik" racks. From then on, the parts duly inspected, and wearing the appropriate markings, were assembled into complete firearms by the state factory that also conducted the required proof tests. Frame made by SIG By 1886, at least 18 private firms were involved in the process of providing secondary parts, which represented almost 70% of the global value. Among those private firms SIG (Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft Neuhausen) was a prominent one. Model 1882/29 made by SIG - serial #1911 image source : swissdagger.com It appears as well that SIG not only provided parts to the state factory, but also produced small quantities of complete revolvers, often intended to town police forces. Those revolvers were marked with the firm trade name on the left side of the frame. The trade name can be found in German (WAFFENFABRIK NEUHAUSEN) or in French (FAB. D'ARMES NEUHAUSEN) as shown above. Markings found on the revolver Model 1882 The most obvious markings are generally found on the left side of the frame just ahead of the cylinder. This place gather a series of different markings among which are the serial number, the producer logo or trade name, and inspector and acceptance markings. - Serial number The serial number can be found stamped in full on the cylinder, and on the left side of the frame and barrel. On all the secondary parts, if we except the springs, screws, and grip plates, one can generally find the last three figures of the serial number. It is therefore easy to discover replacement parts with different series of figures. Note however that other figures can be found here an there that have strictly no relation with the serial number. Trigger marked 538 - from serial number 35538 Front face of the cylinder bearing digits 5,0,3 On the right side of the trigger one can find a second series of three figures. Other figures without relation with the serial number (as "503" for instance) can also be found on the under face of the barrel, and on other secondary parts as the cover plate, the cylinder, or even on the grip frame. Perhaps are those digits relating to workers that were in charge of assembling and checking the gun. - Commercial production and military gun sold after discharge Commercial market intended gun Aside the military production, the state factory was also allowed to manufacture revolvers intended to the commercial market. Those private guns were stamped with a letter P before the serial number. The letter being of the same size of the digits. The commercial serial number range was parallel to the military range. Consequently it may happen that two guns be found with the same serial number, the prefix letter P excepted. “Demilitarized" gun (P) sold on the commercial market The commercial production is not to be mistaken with former military guns that were eventually demilitarized (but still fully operational), and sold on the private market. Those guns being as well struck with a letter P, but more large, and sometimes followed by the year of the discharge. - Sequential takedown figures Figure "1" on the cylinder axle To help the average user when dismounting the lock is necessary, a series of parts has been struck with figures that follow a the logical path for dismounting. The first part to be removed, the cylinder axle, is consequently marked with figure "1", the cylinder is bearing figure "2", when the cover plate is opened, one can see the figure "3" near the rebound lever pivot that must be rotated to free the main spring that should logically bear figure "4" as it is the next part of the lock to be removed (but the spring bears no figure). Note however that the figure "3" shown here cannot with certainty be attributed to this function as it was not present in other revolvers observed. Then figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 are sequentially attributed to the rebound lever, the trigger's hand, the trigger, and finally the hammer. - Inspector markings The Swiss military revolvers did not undergo a proof test with overloaded cartridges as is usually done in proof houses. They were just inspected for faultless workmanship, and tested by shooting them with regular cartridges to see if all was functioning perfectly. At the end of inspection, if the gun had successfully passed the test, a specific marking was applied. Embossed V + inspector marking - large cross shooting test passed - WaffenFabrik marking Each chief inspector had his own mark represented by a letter under a plus sign (that must be actually interpreted as a Swiss cross), that is sometimes embossed into a cartouche. It is not until 1943 that an ordinance inspection stamp replaced those individual marks. On the Model 1882, the inspector marks V and M are the most often found if not the only. Here below are the names and period of activity of those inspectors. - Major Schmidt, 1864-1874 : S+ mark - Major Werdmuller, 1875- mid 1879 : W+ mark - Major Vogelsang, 1379- 1912 : V+ mark - Major Muhlemann, 1913-1941 : M+ mark - Captain Hauri, 1942 : H+ mark -Beyond 1942 : Federal firearms inspection mark : a letter + inside a stylized W. Federal inspection mark - Letter F + (changes with each inspector) Note that other inspection marks were used for acceptance or rejection of part. The most common of which being a simple cross.Accessories relating to the Model 1882 revolver - Service holsters for the revolver Model 1882 and 1882/29 Customs holster Two types of official service holsters are known. One intended for army troops and one devoted to the customs services. As explained in a former chapter, the stock-holster was never officially adopted. Holster by J.Butikofer Bern made in 1910 Image source : luger-genesis.com. The Army service model holster was manufactured by several producers (brand hame and year of production are usually marked on the under face), and differences in production may appear as to the hide used and other slight details. The same holster design was used to accompany the Model 1882/29. - Cartridge pouch Pouch by P. FAS, BERN made in 1926 Pouch housing a full box of 20 cartridges The cartridge pouch for the Model 1882 was carried through a breast belt. It is closed with the same type of flap as the holster, and can contain a full box of 20 cartridges. The cartridges remaining inside the box which, after being opened for use, is inserted into the pouch as shown above. - Takedown and cleaning tool The service takedown and cleaning tool is composed of a hollow brass handle that houses a screw driver, and two types of cleaning rods. One of them is often a wire brush. The screw rod may be fastened two ways: With the screw head barely protruding from the handle, or with the screw head remaining upside down inside the handle, and the threaded extremity being available to attach one of the two cleaning rods. - User manuals Swiss 1882 revolver manual - first issue Swiss 1882 revolver manual - second issue of 1891 Swiss 1882 revolver manual - 9th issue of 1901 Swiss 1882 revolver manual - 12th issue of 1907 Through the very long period of production of the models 1882 and 1882/29, several user manuals were issued. Some of them including a very beautiful color sketch showing accessories and mechanical details of the gun. © 2009 Henrotin Gerard and HL Publishing Belgium)