The first Mauser patents on blowback type pistols date from 1907, and many patents were taken out from 1907 to 1915. Work on a fixed-barrel type of arms was first done on rifles in 1907, but in 1908 interest had shifted to experimental work on a hand gun of this type. Mauser's first attempt was to produce a military pistol in 9 mm. Parabellum caliber, and this resulted in a pistol designated as Modell 1909. Although an instruction book was issued, indicating that the pistol was expected to meet with approval, there was little demand for them and very few were made. This Modell 1909 is not to be confused with the later Modell 1912 and the Modell 1912/14, as it did not have the delaying or retarding devices which appeared on the Modell
Mauser 1896 7.63 caliber pistol. Late model large ring flat side. Produced about 1900-1901. Matching serial numbers. The bore has strong rifling and shows frosting. Excellent grips. About 95% finish. Comes with a period stock that is numbered to a different gun. The stock shows couple of cracks and a repair to the lid. Mauser continued to produce P.38's and did not adapt to starting serial numbers over again when the year changed. The first variation of these guns with byf 43 slides will be the same as guns with byf 42 slides but no e/135 parts. The serial number range is 4958a-2119f with 50,000 produced.
1912. Successful functioning depended on the use of a special Parabellum cartridge with a lighter powder charge and lighter bullet, which was specially designed by Mauser for this weapon (Figs. 213, 214).
1910 and 1914 Types-In 1909-1910 Mauser developed and produced a 6.35 mm. pocket pistol which, except for size, minor machining, and assembly differences, was a copy of the 9 mm. Modell 1909, and this was put on the market later in 1910 or early in 1911. It is now referred to as the Mod. 1910, although at the time no model designation was assigned to it by the manufacturer. Model designations for the early smaller pistols were made only in the case of the 6.35 mm. vestpocket (W.T.P.) pistols and then only after the introduction of the second model.
Early issues of the 1910 Type are characterized by the presence of a lever on the left side of the receiver just above the trigger, the purpose of which is two-fold. The device combines a trigger pin and on this pin is a latch which unlocks the front end of the side plate over the limb work. The rear end of this plate is rabbeted into the receiver. In the later issues of the 1910 Type pistol a simpler and less expensive scheme was used. In these later pistols the trigger pin is staked to the opposite (right) side of the receiver. To expose the limb work the slide is first removed and the side plate, which is rabbeted at each end, is simply lifted up at the rear end and removed.
Late in 1913 a new version of the 1910 type was announced, differing in a few details. Early in 1914 it was announced that a 7.65 mm. pistol was forthcoming, in which all of the latest features of the 6.35 mm. pistol would be incorporated. This appeared late in that year or possibly early in 1915. Experimental models for a 7.65 mm. pistol had been made in 1912 and
1914 Mauser Pistol Serial Numbers
1913, but the final form which was issued commercially was quite different in external characteristics from the experimental forms. The Model 1910 (but unofficial) designation seems to have remained as popular nomenclature for the early 6.35 mm. model (ca. 1910), the improved 6.35 mm. model (ca. 1913-14), and the first 7.65 mm. model (ca. 1914, commercially). Later the 7.65 mm. pistol became known as the Model 1914 in popular nomenclature. As time went on it appeared in several slightly differing forms, but essentially it remained the same.
The numbering of the 6.35 mm. pistols produced from 1910 to 1913 (inclusive) appears to have been from 1 to 61,000. The 7.65 mm. 1914 type seems to have been numbered first from 61,000 to 100,000, after which the numbers jumped to 200,000 and became intermingled with the numbers for the 6.35 mm. pistol. From the number 200,000 on, the 6.35 and 7.65 mm. pistols appear to have been numbered in the same series, which by 1939 had reached about 640,000. This statement does not include the W.T.P. models, however, which had their own series of numbering. Although the firm name had been changed from Waffenfabrik Mauser to Mauser-Werke in 1922, the new name was not used on the pocket pistols until 1929 or 1930, at about serial number 400,000.
1934-1939-From 1914 to 1934 there had been little change in the 7.65 mm. model, but in 1934 a change was made which altered its external appearance. This change consisted in the use of a more streamlined grip, which afforded a better hold. Instead of using two grip pieces the entire grip consisted of one piece, formed to fit the grip frame. A single screw on each side held it in place.
About this time Mauser began work on a design for a double action pistol and by 1937 they had developed one which they designated a Hahn Selbstspann (or self-cocking hammer). This system, generally referred to as the HS system, was much delayed in its development due to patent and legal difficulties engendered by Walther's natural desire to control the production of double action pistols. In 1937 Mauser produced a few of the new pistols, designated HSa, and circulated samples among firearms authorities, editors, etc. to get their reaction. As a result of recommendations and comments received, certain changes were made and a few of this revised form (known as HSb) were similarly circulated. Finally, a third form was arrived at and this was considered sufficiently perfected to warrant commercial production. This model was designated Modell HSc, and serial numbering started around 700,000. From the time that it was brought out, in 1938, until 1945 serial numbers had grown to about 955,000, indicating that more than 250,000 had been made in that period. This model was produced throughout World War II as a side arm for the Army and for the Luftwaffe, and very few were distributed commercially. Hence almost every specimen seen will have the German military acceptance mark (WaA ). Not only did the military forces take over all of the HSc pistols produced, but also the last 100,000 or so of the 1934 type, consequently many specimens of the latter will also have the German military acceptance mark. Both of these 7.65 mm. pistols, being small, compact, and reliable, were desirable as light side arms. The Model HSc is an exceptionally fine pocket pistol.
Immediately after the war another 20,000 pieces were made for the French Government. These are regularly marked and should be numbered above 955,000. Naturally they will not have the German acceptance mark. There were several minor mechanical variations in this run. The Mod. HSc was also produced, experimentally, in .22 caliber and in 9 mm. Short (.380 ACP) but only in very small quantities. Consequently they are collectors' items.
The first Mauser patents on blowback type pistols date from 1907, and many patents were taken out from 1907 to 1915. Work on a fixed-barrel type of arms was first done on rifles in 1907, but in 1908 interest had shifted to experimental work on a hand gun of this type. Mauser's first attempt was to produce a military pistol in 9 mm. Parabellum caliber, and this resulted in a pistol designated as Modell 1909. Although an instruction book was issued, indicating that the pistol was expected to meet with approval, there was little demand for them and very few were made. This Modell 1909 is not to be confused with the later Modell 1912 and the Modell 1912/14, as it did not have the delaying or retarding devices which appeared on the Modell
Mauser 1896 7.63 caliber pistol. Late model large ring flat side. Produced about 1900-1901. Matching serial numbers. The bore has strong rifling and shows frosting. Excellent grips. About 95% finish. Comes with a period stock that is numbered to a different gun. The stock shows couple of cracks and a repair to the lid. Mauser continued to produce P.38's and did not adapt to starting serial numbers over again when the year changed. The first variation of these guns with byf 43 slides will be the same as guns with byf 42 slides but no e/135 parts. The serial number range is 4958a-2119f with 50,000 produced.
1912. Successful functioning depended on the use of a special Parabellum cartridge with a lighter powder charge and lighter bullet, which was specially designed by Mauser for this weapon (Figs. 213, 214).
1910 and 1914 Types-In 1909-1910 Mauser developed and produced a 6.35 mm. pocket pistol which, except for size, minor machining, and assembly differences, was a copy of the 9 mm. Modell 1909, and this was put on the market later in 1910 or early in 1911. It is now referred to as the Mod. 1910, although at the time no model designation was assigned to it by the manufacturer. Model designations for the early smaller pistols were made only in the case of the 6.35 mm. vestpocket (W.T.P.) pistols and then only after the introduction of the second model.
Early issues of the 1910 Type are characterized by the presence of a lever on the left side of the receiver just above the trigger, the purpose of which is two-fold. The device combines a trigger pin and on this pin is a latch which unlocks the front end of the side plate over the limb work. The rear end of this plate is rabbeted into the receiver. In the later issues of the 1910 Type pistol a simpler and less expensive scheme was used. In these later pistols the trigger pin is staked to the opposite (right) side of the receiver. To expose the limb work the slide is first removed and the side plate, which is rabbeted at each end, is simply lifted up at the rear end and removed.
Late in 1913 a new version of the 1910 type was announced, differing in a few details. Early in 1914 it was announced that a 7.65 mm. pistol was forthcoming, in which all of the latest features of the 6.35 mm. pistol would be incorporated. This appeared late in that year or possibly early in 1915. Experimental models for a 7.65 mm. pistol had been made in 1912 and
1914 Mauser Pistol Serial Numbers
1913, but the final form which was issued commercially was quite different in external characteristics from the experimental forms. The Model 1910 (but unofficial) designation seems to have remained as popular nomenclature for the early 6.35 mm. model (ca. 1910), the improved 6.35 mm. model (ca. 1913-14), and the first 7.65 mm. model (ca. 1914, commercially). Later the 7.65 mm. pistol became known as the Model 1914 in popular nomenclature. As time went on it appeared in several slightly differing forms, but essentially it remained the same.
The numbering of the 6.35 mm. pistols produced from 1910 to 1913 (inclusive) appears to have been from 1 to 61,000. The 7.65 mm. 1914 type seems to have been numbered first from 61,000 to 100,000, after which the numbers jumped to 200,000 and became intermingled with the numbers for the 6.35 mm. pistol. From the number 200,000 on, the 6.35 and 7.65 mm. pistols appear to have been numbered in the same series, which by 1939 had reached about 640,000. This statement does not include the W.T.P. models, however, which had their own series of numbering. Although the firm name had been changed from Waffenfabrik Mauser to Mauser-Werke in 1922, the new name was not used on the pocket pistols until 1929 or 1930, at about serial number 400,000.
1934-1939-From 1914 to 1934 there had been little change in the 7.65 mm. model, but in 1934 a change was made which altered its external appearance. This change consisted in the use of a more streamlined grip, which afforded a better hold. Instead of using two grip pieces the entire grip consisted of one piece, formed to fit the grip frame. A single screw on each side held it in place.
About this time Mauser began work on a design for a double action pistol and by 1937 they had developed one which they designated a Hahn Selbstspann (or self-cocking hammer). This system, generally referred to as the HS system, was much delayed in its development due to patent and legal difficulties engendered by Walther's natural desire to control the production of double action pistols. In 1937 Mauser produced a few of the new pistols, designated HSa, and circulated samples among firearms authorities, editors, etc. to get their reaction. As a result of recommendations and comments received, certain changes were made and a few of this revised form (known as HSb) were similarly circulated. Finally, a third form was arrived at and this was considered sufficiently perfected to warrant commercial production. This model was designated Modell HSc, and serial numbering started around 700,000. From the time that it was brought out, in 1938, until 1945 serial numbers had grown to about 955,000, indicating that more than 250,000 had been made in that period. This model was produced throughout World War II as a side arm for the Army and for the Luftwaffe, and very few were distributed commercially. Hence almost every specimen seen will have the German military acceptance mark (WaA ). Not only did the military forces take over all of the HSc pistols produced, but also the last 100,000 or so of the 1934 type, consequently many specimens of the latter will also have the German military acceptance mark. Both of these 7.65 mm. pistols, being small, compact, and reliable, were desirable as light side arms. The Model HSc is an exceptionally fine pocket pistol.
Immediately after the war another 20,000 pieces were made for the French Government. These are regularly marked and should be numbered above 955,000. Naturally they will not have the German acceptance mark. There were several minor mechanical variations in this run. The Mod. HSc was also produced, experimentally, in .22 caliber and in 9 mm. Short (.380 ACP) but only in very small quantities. Consequently they are collectors' items.
Continue reading here: Experimental models
1934 Mauser Pistol Serial Numbers
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