Swiss regulation revolver Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F) 1878 s/n 46xx

According to the Federal Council Decree (ACF) of September 27, 1878, the revolver model no. 8, Warnant system, was declared an 1878 ordinance revolver.

This model was never manufactured, however, as numerous proposals for modifications were submitted by Rudolf Schmidt. 

These were examined by Friedrich Vetterli and incorporated into production in accordance with the Federal Council's decision of May 21, 1879.

The Model 1878 was manufactured in Switzerland by the Waffenfabrik Bern and directly chambered for the centerfire cartridge.

Its mechanism is a Warnant system with a rebounding hammer modified by Lieutenant-Colonel Rudolf Schmidt.

Unlike the 1872 model, it has no loading door, but is equipped with a system for indexing the barrel chambers to bring them in front of the ejector rod.

A total of 4,601 1878 revolvers were produced, of which 4,600 were delivered to the War Material Administration (AMG).

- 1880 delivery: 3,400 revolvers

- 1881 delivery: 1,200 revolvers.

This weapon is mainly intended for cavalry officers and mounted artillery officers.

Dismounted officers could acquire them personally, at their own expense.

Private models were manufactured by the S.I.G. (Waffenfabrik Neuhausen - Swiss Industrial Society, Neuhausen).