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

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

Introduction

The assertion that the Swedish army's last handgun before 1900 was the "Revolver m/1889" invites scrutiny regarding its historical accuracy. This claim suggests a specific timeline and model designation within the context of Swedish military firearms, which requires a detailed examination of available historical records and sources.

What We Know

1. Swedish Revolver Models: The Swedish military utilized several revolver models leading up to 1900. The Revolver m/1863 was one of the earliest, followed by the m/1887 model, which was a 6-shot double-action revolver. The m/1887 was notably chambered for a 7.5 mm cartridge and was used by both the army and navy 356.

2. Absence of m/1889: There is no widely recognized documentation or credible sources that confirm the existence of a "Revolver m/1889" in the Swedish military inventory. The models documented include m/1863 and m/1887, with no mention of an m/1889 in the available literature 3456.

3. Historical Context: The late 19th century was a period of transition for military firearms, with many nations, including Sweden, experimenting with various designs and calibers. The m/1887 revolver was introduced as part of this evolution, indicating that the Swedish military was already moving towards more modern designs by the end of the century 68.

Analysis

The claim regarding the "Revolver m/1889" lacks substantiation from credible historical sources. The primary sources available, including specialized articles on Swedish military firearms, do not list an m/1889 model.

• Source Evaluation:

  • The Gotavapen website, which specializes in Swedish firearms history, provides detailed accounts of models m/1863 and m/1887, but does not mention an m/1889 36. This source is generally reliable due to its focused expertise in the subject matter.
  • The VGCA (Värmlands Gun Collectors Association) articles also corroborate the existence of the m/1863 and m/1887 models, further supporting the absence of an m/1889 45. The VGCA is a recognized authority in the field of firearm history, adding to its credibility.
  • Other forums and discussions, such as those on Gunboards, provide anecdotal evidence and community insights but do not offer definitive historical documentation regarding an m/1889 710. These sources can be less reliable due to their informal nature and potential for bias.

• Methodological Concerns: The claim appears to lack a foundation in documented military history. The absence of references to the m/1889 in reputable historical texts or databases raises questions about its validity. Additional primary sources, such as military procurement records or official military documents from the era, would be beneficial in verifying the existence of this model.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the Swedish army's last handgun prior to 1900 was the "Revolver m/1889" is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the absence of any credible documentation or historical references to a revolver model designated as m/1889. The known models utilized by the Swedish military during this period are the m/1863 and m/1887, both of which are well-documented in reliable sources.

It is important to note that while the late 19th century was a time of significant development in military firearms, the specific claim regarding the m/1889 lacks substantiation. The limitations of available evidence, particularly the lack of primary sources or official military records confirming the existence of this model, further reinforce the conclusion.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and claims, especially those related to historical facts, and to seek out credible sources for verification.