PISTOL, Mauser

This is an early specimen of the famous C 96 "Broomhandle" Mauser semi auto pistol. Made about 1902 it is a civilian arm of "flatside" construction which soon after had recessed sections machined into the sides of the frame to lighten it. This specimen has black hard rubber grips marked"WM" in circle, (Waffenfabrik Mauser) The C96 was the 1st successful military semi auto pistol and was widely used in the Boer War 1899 - 1902, WW1 and WW2. The civilian version was used all over the world including W.A. They were used on the goldfields to protect miners and their claims (see p. ), by the Customs, PWD, and Police?. The arm was presented to the SAS as an instructional item on 7-6-74, by the police ballistics section . The police had received it from the WA Govt Railways on 26-9-66 (police receipt B2675 issued to Mr Christen- sen of WAGR ). The history of the arm between its acquisition by the WAGR from its original owner the Public Works Dept. is unknown as yet Pistol is marked on lhs "(broad arrow) / P.W.D. / W.A. / No 36 " indicating WA state ownership. Rhs is marked "23582" which is the police property number. The pistol is marked on top of the barrel "Waffenfabrik / Mauser / Oberndorf a/N ", stock marked "25637"twice. Serial No. 25637 Proof Marks"crown / U " Accessories Wooden holster / stock Modifications ....... Bore ................ Barrel Shape round . Sights Tangent rear, 1000m Calibre 7.63mm Charge/Projectile smokeless / fmj Ignition centre fire Action semi automatic Previous Registration .................

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History Collection

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