Mauser Pistols in Austro-Hungarian Service

Mauser Model 1896 (C96) Pistol
7.63mm Mauser-Selbstladepistole

Designed by the Feederles Brothers for Paul Mauser
Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser AG Oberndorf, Germany, 1896-1916
50,000 pistols sold to Austro-Hungary in 1916
Recoil operated automatic pistol
Caliber 7.63mm Mauser (7.65mm Borchardt loaded hot)
Muzzle Velocity: 375m/sec
9x19mm Parabellum was also available (Grips marked '9')
Charger-loaded 10-rd integral magazine
Overall 295mm, 140mm barrel length
Weight empty 1.045kg
Rear sight fixed or Tangent graduated 50-1000m or 50-500m

It is generally known and accepted that 50,000 Mauser C96 'Broomhandles' were imported from Germany in 1916 by the Austro-Hungarian Army. However actual A/H military acceptance dates range reported are from 'Wn15' to 'Wn17', which does not correspond well with a single 1916 transaction.
An example of the Austro-Hungarian 'Wn17' acceptance mark on a C96 pistol is on the left. Note the rare 2nd Austrian acceptance mark 'Hv36' on the same pistol.
The previously mentioned Wn17 and Hv36 marked pistol has 'Koluz 37' stamped on the grip strap. Please contact the author if you know the meaning of 'Koluz'

Mauser C96 Pistol Assembly Drawing and Parts List

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