Fact Check: The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated "Revolver m/1889".

The Claim: "The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated 'Revolver m/1889.'"

Introduction

The assertion that the Swedish army utilized a handgun designated as "Revolver m/1889" prior to 1900 raises questions about the accuracy of historical military records and the specific models of revolvers used by the Swedish armed forces during that period. This claim warrants a thorough examination of available historical documentation and expert sources to determine its validity.

What We Know

1. Swedish Revolver Designations: The Swedish military has a history of adopting various revolver models, including the m/1863 and m/1887. The m/1887 revolver was notably chambered for 7.5 mm ammunition and was used by the Swedish army 37.

2. Lack of Evidence for m/1889: A review of historical records and sources does not yield any references to a "Revolver m/1889" being officially adopted or used by the Swedish army. Instead, the m/1887 appears to be the relevant model from that era, with its adoption occurring in the late 19th century 45.

3. Context of Revolver Development: The m/1887 revolver was part of a broader trend in military armament during the late 1800s, where many countries were modernizing their forces with new firearm technologies. The Swedish army's transition to revolvers was influenced by similar developments in other nations 610.

4. Subsequent Models: Following the m/1887, the Swedish military adopted the m/1907 Browning pistol, which indicates a shift in firearm technology and preferences within the army 10.

Analysis

The claim regarding the "Revolver m/1889" lacks substantiation from credible historical sources. The primary sources consulted, such as Gotavapen and various military archives, consistently reference the m/1863 and m/1887 models without mention of an m/1889 designation.

1. Source Reliability:

   • Gotavapen: This site is dedicated to Swedish military firearms and provides detailed historical accounts. It is generally considered reliable for information on Swedish military history 3410.
   • VGCA Articles: The articles from the VGCA provide insights into specific models and their historical context, further supporting the absence of an m/1889 designation 45.
   • Wikipedia: While Wikipedia can serve as a starting point for research, it is often edited by users and may not be the most reliable source for definitive historical claims 12.

2. Potential Bias: Some sources may have a vested interest in promoting certain narratives about military history. For example, forums and personal blogs may reflect individual perspectives rather than established historical consensus.

3. Methodological Concerns: The absence of a clear reference to the m/1889 in multiple credible sources suggests a lack of documentation or recognition of such a model. Further research into military archives or historical texts may provide additional clarity.

4. Conflicts of Interest: Some articles may be written by enthusiasts or collectors who may have a specific agenda, potentially skewing the presentation of historical facts.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To better understand the claim regarding the "Revolver m/1889," it would be beneficial to access:

• Official military records or archives from the Swedish army that document the adoption and usage of handguns.
• Historical texts or academic papers focusing on the evolution of Swedish military firearms during the late 19th century.
• Interviews or statements from historians specializing in military history, particularly those with expertise in Swedish arms.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Swedish army's handgun used prior to 1900 was designated "Revolver m/1889" is unsupported by credible historical evidence. Key sources consistently reference the m/1863 and m/1887 models, with no documentation or acknowledgment of an m/1889 designation. This absence of evidence suggests that the claim is likely a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of historical facts.

It is important to note that while the research conducted provides a clear indication of the lack of an m/1889 revolver, the historical record is complex, and further investigation into military archives could potentially yield new insights. However, as of now, the evidence does not substantiate the claim.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consult multiple sources when researching historical claims, as the accuracy of such assertions can vary significantly based on the reliability of the sources consulted.

Sources

1. Nagant M1895. Wikipedia. Link
2. Colt M1889. Wikipedia. Link
3. Swedish military pistols and revolvers 1863 - 1988. Gotavapen. 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. O.T. - Swedish m/1887 Nagant production info. Gunboards Forums. Link
7. Swedish revolver m/1887 in 7.5 mm. Gotavapen. Link
8. Husqvarna Swedish M1887 Nagant Revolver. Colt Forum. Link
9. Swedish Militaria Archive. Link
10. The Swedish pistol m/1907 or Browning M1903 i 9 mm Browning Long. Gotavapen. Link