The Zig-Zag was a single action revolver manufactured by Mauser during the late 19th century. It is chambered in a 6mm calibre round and is fed from a 6 round grooved drum hence the name of the revolver.
The original Zig-zag revolver had a solid frame and loading gate. It was invented in 1878 and was the first German military handgun to fire modern brass cartridges. It replaced the earlier needle-fire and pinfire revolvers.[1]
In 1886 an improved 9mm version with a hinged frame was introduced[2]
In 1896 the Zig-Zag was replaced by the semi-automatic Broomhandle Mauser, but many of the older revolvers remained in use until after World War I.[3]