Mauser C96 Pistol with Wood-Effect Plastic Grips – Inert Replica

The Mauser C96 was one of the earliest semi-automatic pistols to achieve significant international success and remains one of the most recognizable handguns of the first half of the 20th century. Patented in 1895 and entering production in 1896 at the Mauser works in Oberndorf am Neckar, it remained in manufacture in numerous forms until 1937.

Much of the design was developed by the brothers Fidel, Friedrich and Josef Feederle, technicians employed at Mauser, while Paul Mauser subsequently oversaw its patenting and production.

One of the pistol's most distinctive features was its fixed magazine positioned ahead of the trigger guard. In the common ten-round configuration, it was loaded from above using a stripper clip.

Its narrow, elongated grip also gave rise to its famous English nickname, the “Broomhandle” Mauser.

The cartridge most closely associated with the C96 was the 7.63 × 25 mm Mauser, which offered remarkably high velocity by contemporary handgun standards. Numerous versions were nevertheless manufactured with different magazine capacities and chamberings.

The C96 achieved considerable international popularity even before World War I. It was privately purchased by numerous officers and appeared in conflicts around the turn of the century before seeing substantial use during World War I.

In 1916, the German government ordered approximately 150,000 C96 pistols chambered for 9 × 19 mm Parabellumto supplement supplies of the Luger P08. These pistols were marked with a large number “9” cut into the grips and filled with red paint, warning users not to load them with 7.63 mm ammunition. They are now widely known as the “Red 9” or “Rote Neun”.

Another distinctive feature of the historical C96 was its ability to accept a wooden stock-holster. The carrying case could be attached to the rear of the grip and used as a shoulder stock, providing greater stability. A stock-holster is not included with this replica.

The C96 became particularly important in Russia and China. Certain compact versions later acquired the Western nickname “Bolo Mauser”, while the pistol became so popular in China that numerous locally manufactured variants and copies appeared.

Despite originating in the late 19th century, C96 pistols remained in service in various parts of the world during World War II.

This inert replica is constructed predominantly from metal and fitted with wood-effect plastic grip panels featuring the characteristic grooved pattern. Its movable mechanism simulates loading and trigger operation without being capable of firing projectiles.

The replica measures 32 cm in overall length and weighs approximately 1,120 g, reproducing the substantial proportions and instantly recognizable profile of the historical pistol.

Collector's note: the C96 was developed at a time when revolvers still dominated the handgun market. Its ability to use a combined wooden holster and shoulder stock, effectively turning the pistol into a compact shoulder-fired weapon, was an important factor in its early international success.

Technical specifications

• Type: inert collector's replica

• Model reproduced: Mauser C96

• Original introduced: 1896

• Historical period: World War I and World War II

• Main material: metal

• Grip panels: wood-effect plastic

• Overall length: 32 cm

• Weight: 1,120 g

• Magazine: fixed

• Mechanism: simulated loading and trigger action

• Stock-holster: not included

• Operation: inert replica, incapable of firing projectiles

• EAN: 8435089710243