Mauzer-Werke

Question
Hi,

I have a Mauser-Werke and would like to know the history of this gun.  On
the side of the barrel are the following markings.  Mauser-Werke A.G.
Oberndorf a. N. Mod .HSc Kal.7.65mm.  Also on the trigger guard there is a
swastika with an eagle above it and an M below it.  There is also a serial
number of 700841 on the trigger guard.

Answer
Dan,

This is not really an area of expertise for me, but I am happy to tell you what I can.  What you most likely have is a Mauser Model HSc double action pistol.  Since it is marked 7.65 mm, in US calibers, it is a .32 ACP.  The 7.65 mm had a magazine capacity of 8 shots, was available in either a blued or nickel finish, had fixed sights and a checkered walnut grip.  Manufacturing for this model began in 1938, with the most recent version of the pistol being made by R. Gamba in Italy in around 1996.

The serial number you have is quite low as the series started in 1938 with the serial number 700,000.  You could possibly have a rare version of the pistol that has a low grip screw.  The serial number would possibly indicate that you do.  I would not be able to tell without looking at detailed photos of the gun on both sides.

The eagle/swastika/letter is a military proof or acceptance mark from the Nazi government.  This is a typical marking for pistols manufactured in Germany during WWII.  Usually the proof was an eagle "N", not "M".  Are there any other numbers like "135" or "WaA 135" on the gun?

Please let me know if you can provide photos.  If so, you can send them to me at:

[email protected]

Just be sure to remove the words "nospam" from the middle of my email address.  There are bots that scan the web for things that look like email addresses and add them to their spam lists...

Hope this gives you a little more info...

Doug