a metric .44 special..."ERFURT Arsenal, matching serial # 1324, dated 1894, caliber 10.55mm identical .44 Russian black powder, just the name in metrics. The frame of revolver is fine blued with circa 80% remaining, cylinder and barrel have only traces of blue, plain wooden grips with lanyard ring. Prussian army acceptance with W for king Wilhelm II., unit stamp on back strap 19. R. A. 2.8. = 19. Reserve Field Artillery regiment, 2. battery, 8. weapon. The revolver is in good working order and fine condition. With the revolver comes a very rare certificate of capture, dated Dec. 18. 1945. Also a correct looking holster with maker's name Schipperfabrik AG Berlin 1914. It is well made but it feels to new to be from the period. Together a very interesting set!
For more pictures please visit my website www.HorstHeld.com"

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Of the Troops & For the Troops

Still, one can often fire .44 Russian cartridges out of the Reichsrevolvers with no modifications. Black powder loads are highly recommended.

Donnelly doesn't mention that bit but shows a case which is only a few thousandths different than the Russian. Of course, it's not the first time they disagreed or have been either both or singly wrong. Not a condemnation of course as there is too much to know and, in many cases, very limited resources to verify.

compared to lots of other old military cartridges (like the Webley series). Old data shows a lot of variation and there is apparently a lot of variation from gun to gun. I used to have a Reichsrevolver, but never got around to shooting it. Wish I had at least slugged the bore and measured the chamber dimensions for posterity's sake. Sold it to a Belgian antique arms dealer at National Gun Day in Louisville a few years ago and bought something else.

I sure do need it!

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Of the Troops & For the Troops