Description
There’s something unmistakably special about a true Ratzeburg-era Korth. The moment you pick one up, or even just study it closely, you realize this isn’t simply a revolver. It’s a mechanical sculpture born from one of the most obsessive gunmaking philosophies ever to come out of Germany.
This Korth Ratzeburg Combat 4” Stainless is a pristine example of that legacy.
Machined entirely from solid stainless steel and finished in a soft, satin sheen, the revolver carries the purposeful, hand-built character that defines early Korth production. Every edge is intentional, every contour sculpted, from the deeply fluted cylinder to the precision-cut top rib and full underlug barrel. The 4-inch configuration strikes a perfect balance: substantial enough to highlight the Combat model’s strength and shootability, yet compact enough to retain the elegant proportions collectors love.
Chambered in .357 Magnum, the revolver delivers the performance expected from Korth’s bank-vault lockup and legendary timing. The action is glass-smooth in both double- and single-action, reflecting the meticulous hand-fitting that defined the Ratzeburg workshop years.
What elevates this example even further is its matching 9mm auxiliary cylinder.
Interchangeable-cylinder Korth revolvers represent a fascinating blend of engineering and practicality, allowing the owner to switch between calibers while maintaining the same platform and feel. Both cylinders remain properly matched to the revolver, preserving the integrity and collectability of the set while showcasing Korth’s precision manufacturing tolerances.
The additional cylinder mirrors the fluted styling and satin stainless finish, reinforcing the revolver’s cohesive presentation as a complete, factory-configured system rather than an assembled pairing.
Visually, the revolver is accented by richly figured wooden grips that add warmth to the otherwise industrial stainless aesthetic. The contrast between the brushed steel and the deep grain of the wood creates a presentation that feels equally at home in a display case or in the hand of a discerning shooter.
Markings remain crisp and correct to the Ratzeburg period, including manufacturer roll marks and proofing consistent with early Korth production, details that seasoned collectors immediately recognize and appreciate.
From a historical standpoint, Combat-configured Ratzeburg revolvers occupy an important niche within Korth collecting. Produced during the era when Willi Korth’s original design philosophy still guided manufacturing, these revolvers represent the brand before later corporate transitions, when output was low, tolerances were extreme, and each revolver felt like a bespoke commission.
Add the factory-matched dual-cylinder setup, and the result is a revolver that checks multiple collector boxes at once: rarity, versatility, mechanical intrigue, and period authenticity.
Whether viewed as an investment-grade German revolver, a centerpiece for a Korth-focused collection, or simply one of the finest double-action wheelguns ever produced, this Korth Ratzeburg Combat 4” Stainless with matching .357 Magnum and 9mm cylinders stands as a compelling example of Old-World gunmaking precision, preserved in a configuration that is as desirable as it is difficult to find today.
