Welcome to at this time’s Photo of the Day! Right here we’ve Mauser Mannequin 1912 prototype serial quantity 13 in 9mm Luger, certainly one of a really restricted quantity manufactured round 1912 for experimental functions. This precise pistol and its inner workings are pictured on pages 93-94 of “Mauser Pistolen” by Weaver, Pace, and Schmid.
Mauser’s smaller 6.35mm Mannequin 1910 pistol achieved industrial success, in order that they tried scaling up its options for bigger handgun designs. The Mannequin 1912 used a retarded blowback system with two-piece “locking” block. Later variations switched to a “flap” system just like the Mannequin 06/08 pistols. Most Mannequin 1912 pistols didn’t survive testing, making survivors extraordinarily uncommon.
This primary model options the sooner straight 1910-style grip body, fastened blade entrance sight on the barrel, and dovetail rear sight on the slide. The slide is hand-inscribed “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER/OBERNDORF A.N./MAUSER’S PATENT” on the left. Serial quantity “13” seems on the body, slide, barrel, takedown launch, set off, inside of the grip, journal, and numerous inner elements.
The one-piece checkered wraparound walnut grip is distinctive. From Clive Cussler’s assortment, this represents an evolutionary footnote in Mauser pistol improvement – an bold try to deliver the profitable Mannequin 1910’s options to a extra highly effective cartridge that finally didn’t proceed to manufacturing.
Most of our POTDs make the most of photos from our mates at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms public sale in the US. Take a while to browse their current auctions – who is aware of, possibly you’ll discover a piece of historical past to take dwelling!
“Experimental Prototype German Mauser Mannequin 1912 Pistol.” Rock Island Public sale, www.rockislandauction.com/element/4096/1390/experimental-prototype-german-mauser-model-1912-pistol. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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Author | TheFirearmBlog Instagram | sfsgunsmith Previous soul, licensed gunsmith, printed creator, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of previous and distinctive weapons.
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