Fact Check: The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was called "Revolver 1886".

The Claim: "The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was called 'Revolver 1886.'"

Introduction

The claim suggests that the Swedish army utilized a handgun known as the "Revolver 1886" before the year 1900. This assertion raises questions regarding the historical accuracy of the designation and the specific revolvers used by the Swedish military during that time period.

What We Know

1. Swedish Revolvers in the 19th Century: The Swedish army adopted several revolvers in the 19th century, including the Revolver m/1863 and the Revolver m/1887. The m/1863 was based on the Lefaucheux design and was adopted in 1864, while the m/1887 was a Nagant revolver adopted by the Swedish Navy in 1891 and later by the Army 35.

2. Revolver m/1887: The m/1887 was indeed a significant revolver in Swedish military history, but it was not designated as "Revolver 1886." Instead, it was officially adopted in 1887, which contradicts the claim that a "Revolver 1886" existed 510.

3. Historical Context: The late 19th century was a period of transition for military firearms, with many nations, including Sweden, experimenting with various designs. The m/1887 revolver was part of this evolution, and its adoption reflects the changing needs of the military 46.

Analysis

• Source Reliability: The sources used to investigate this claim vary in terms of reliability. The Wikipedia entry on firearms 1 is a general resource that may lack comprehensive detail and could be subject to editing bias. In contrast, specialized articles from Gotavapen 345 provide more focused historical insights and are authored by enthusiasts or experts in Swedish military arms, which may enhance their credibility.

• Conflicting Information: The claim of a "Revolver 1886" does not appear in the more authoritative sources regarding Swedish military revolvers. The m/1887 is well-documented, and its adoption timeline is clear, indicating that the Swedish army did not use a revolver designated as "1886" 35. This discrepancy raises doubts about the accuracy of the claim.

• Methodology of Sources: The historical accounts from Gotavapen and other specialized sites often rely on documented military contracts and production records, which are generally reliable. However, the lack of primary sources or official military documentation in the claim's support weakens its validity. More detailed archival research would be beneficial to substantiate any claims regarding the specific designation of revolvers used by the Swedish army.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was called "Revolver 1886" is false. The evidence indicates that the Swedish military adopted the Revolver m/1863 and the Revolver m/1887, with the latter officially recognized in 1887, not 1886. The absence of any authoritative references to a "Revolver 1886" further supports this conclusion.

It is important to note that while the m/1887 revolver played a significant role in Swedish military history, the claim in question misrepresents the timeline and designation of the revolvers used. The context of evolving military needs during the late 19th century adds nuance to the discussion, highlighting the complexities of firearm adoption.

However, the analysis is limited by the availability of primary sources. While specialized articles provide valuable insights, the lack of direct military documentation regarding the specific designation of revolvers used by the Swedish army means that further research could be beneficial for a more comprehensive understanding.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the reliability of sources when assessing historical claims.

Sources

1. List of firearms before the 20th century - Wikipedia. Link
2. Nagant M1895. Link
3. Swedish military pistols and revolvers 1863 - 1988. Link
4. PDF Swedish Military Pistols & Revolvers - V.g.c.a. Link
5. PDF THE SWEDISH m/1887 REVOLVER - V.G.C.A. Link
6. The Guns of the Union (1814-1905) - svartkrutt.net. Link
7. A very brief history of Swedish Arms manufacturing. Link
8. O.T. - Swedish m/1887 Nagant production info - Gunboards Forums. Link
9. Gothia Arms Historical Society - gotavapen.se. Link
10. The Swedish pistol m/1907 or Browning M1903 i 9 mm Browning Long. Link