Fact Check: The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated "Revolver m/1887".

The Claim: "The Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated 'Revolver m/1887'."

Introduction

The claim asserts that the Swedish army utilized a handgun known as the "Revolver m/1887" prior to the year 1900. This claim suggests a specific designation and timeline for the adoption of this firearm by the Swedish military, which invites scrutiny regarding its historical accuracy and context.

What We Know

1. Designation and Adoption: The "Revolver m/1887" was indeed adopted by the Swedish army, with initial production starting in the mid-1880s. The revolver was designed in collaboration with the Nagant factory and was officially adopted by the Swedish military in 1887 29.

2. Caliber and Design: The m/1887 revolver was notable for its small caliber of 7.5 mm, which was relatively unusual for military sidearms of the time. This revolver was part of a broader trend in the late 19th century where many armies began equipping their officers with revolvers during peacetime 24.

3. Production and Usage: The m/1887 revolver was produced primarily by Husqvarna, with significant numbers manufactured for the Swedish army. Reports indicate that production continued until the introduction of the Browning m/1907, after which many m/1887 revolvers were either stored or reassigned to reserve forces 56.

4. Historical Context: The adoption of the m/1887 occurred during a period of modernization in military arms, as many nations were transitioning from older firearm designs to more contemporary models. The Swedish army's decision to adopt this revolver reflects the trends in military armament of the time 34.

Analysis

The sources available provide a mix of historical context and specific details about the m/1887 revolver, but they vary in reliability and potential bias:

• Source Evaluation:

  • Gotavapen.se: This site specializes in Swedish firearms and provides detailed historical accounts. However, it may have a promotional bias towards Swedish military history, which could influence the presentation of facts 24.
  • Virginia Gun Collectors Association (VGCA): This source offers a comprehensive overview of Swedish military pistols. While it appears to be a credible source for collectors, it may lack the rigorous academic scrutiny found in peer-reviewed publications 36.
  • Wikipedia: The entry on the Nagant M1895 is not directly related to the m/1887 but provides context on revolver design. Wikipedia is a useful starting point but should be approached with caution due to its open-edit nature 1.
  • Gunboards and Colt Forum: These forums contain discussions and anecdotal evidence regarding the m/1887. While they can provide valuable insights, they often lack rigorous fact-checking and may include personal opinions or unverified claims 59.

• Methodological Concerns: The historical claims about the m/1887 revolver's adoption and use are primarily supported by anecdotal evidence and historical accounts from collectors and enthusiasts. More rigorous academic research or primary source documentation would strengthen the credibility of these claims.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those associated with collectors or specific firearms manufacturers, may have an inherent bias towards promoting the significance of certain models, which could affect the objectivity of the information presented.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further substantiate the claim regarding the m/1887 revolver, additional primary sources such as military procurement records, official army documentation from the late 19th century, or contemporary accounts from military personnel would be beneficial. Furthermore, academic analyses of military armament transitions during this period could provide a broader context for understanding the significance of the m/1887 in Swedish military history.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that the Swedish army's handgun used prior to the year 1900 was designated the "Revolver m/1887." The revolver was officially adopted by the Swedish military in 1887, with production beginning in the mid-1880s. Key sources confirm its designation, production details, and historical context, indicating that it was indeed a recognized military sidearm during that period.

However, it is important to note that while the claim is substantiated by several sources, the reliability of these sources varies. Some may have biases or lack rigorous academic validation, which could affect the overall confidence in the historical accuracy of the details provided. Therefore, while the claim is true based on available evidence, further primary documentation would enhance the understanding of the m/1887's role in Swedish military history.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the context and potential biases of the sources used in this analysis.

Sources

1. Nagant M1895 - Wikipedia. Link
2. Swedish revolver m/1887 in 7.5 mm - Gotavapen. Link
3. SWEDISH MILITARY PISTOLS & REVOLVERS - Virginia Gun Collectors Association. Link
4. Swedish military pistols and revolvers 1863 - 1988 - Gotavapen. Link
5. O.T. - Swedish m/1887 Nagant production info - Gunboards. Link
6. THE SWEDISH m/1887 REVOLVER - Virginia Gun Collectors Association. Link
7. Husqvarna Swedish M1887 Nagant Revolver - Colt Forum. Link
8. Early Swedish Husqvarna 1887 Nagant 7.5mm Military Revolver - LSB Auctions. Link
9. Husqvarna M/1887 Revolver - Smith & Wesson Forum. Link
10. Swiss, Swedish and Norwegian service revolvers - YouTube. Link