Approximate Production Dates for C96 Pistols

[Bigboy99]

C96 Approximate Production Dates
(Does Not Apply for the 9mm "Red 9" Models)

Serial Number                        Years
1-2000                                  1897
2000-15000                           1898
20000-30000                         1899-1901 (Unknown Gap of 5000)
30000-40000                         1902-1903
40000-50000                         1904-1905
50000-82000                         1906-1911
82000-113000                       1912-1913
113000-153000                     1913
153000-180000                     1914
180000-360000                     1915-1916
360000-430000                     1917-1918
430000-434000                     1920
434000-730000                     1921-1930
730000-922000                     1930-1938

This data has been compiled from many sources and is to be considered to only APPROXIMATELY correct.

[broomie]

The unknown gap of 5000 guns is referred to the Italian Contract Flatside. There were also some out of series Flatsides such as the German Test Flatside intended for the Imperial German Cavalry.
Broomie

[vlim]

Many contracts  had their own serial ranges and Mauser was not very interested in keeping tabs on serial numbers. So the numbers can be all over the place without making much sense.

Mauser resold unfinished and unpaid contract guns to other parties, for example the Mexican C96 pistols were sold to Prussia and Wurttemberg..

[broomie]

Wow, I didn't know unsold Mexican C96s were resold to Prussia and Wurttenberg ? Do you know where I can get info on Mexican contract C96s ? Thanks in advance.
Broomie

[Mauro]

Dear Broomie,
The entire history of the Mexican contract is available in the new book: Paul Mauser - His Life, Company, and Handgun Development 1838 - 1914.


I have here in the Paul Mauser Archive the original contract signed by Paul Mauser and the General Victoriano Huerta on the 20 April 1910.


This document is visible at page 437-438 of the mentioned book. The contract is accompanied by original letters exchanged by Paul Mauser and the Mexican high management and internal Mauser Company documents.


Bill, about the production per year, you can find in the book the original Mauser Accounting documents that provide detailed production figures per year. Additionally for each single C96 model (Carbine, 6,10 and 20 shot) tables are provided describing for each year the sale figures.


By the way, in the book you will discover who is the person that buy the first commercial C96 ;-)


From the original "Prima Nota" ledgers it is possible to trace the early and more interesting sale of the C96 pistol.


If you need more information you can contact the Mauser Archive at:  mauser.archive@gmail.com


Visit also: www.paul-mauser-archive.com


Best regards,


Mauro Baudino

[broomie]

Hi Mauro,
Welcome to the forum    Do you know where I can buy the book ? I am very interested in any foreign contract C96s.
I would much appreciate if you could let me know, cheers.
Broomie

[Mauro]

Dear Broomie,
If you are located in Europe, you can acquire the book directly from the authors, please contact us here: paulmauser@kpnmail.nl


If you are located in USA, you can contact the publisher (Brad Simpson): orders@simpsonltd.com


If you are located somewhere else fell free to contact either us or Simpson.


If you are interested in the early C96 contracts, you will find in the book a complete analysis of the first C96 contracts until 1914, when Paul Mauser passed away.


In particular, the Turkish, Italian, Persian and Mexican are analysed referring to the original material available in the archive. So you will have a complete picture of the contracts and also the good timing (not always correct in the books available so far).


Should you have any question, please feel free to contact me: mauser.archive@gmail.com


Best regards,


Mauro Baudino

[broomie]

Hi mauro,
I am in the UK so I will order directly from the email address you have enclosed.
I am very much into the early C96, they are possibly the most elegant in terms of design in my humble opinion.
I have a Turkish Conehammer and a Persian Contract Pre-War, but sold my Italian Flatside a few years ago
I am very much interested in who were the recipients of the Turkish Conehammer issued to as there were approximately only 1000 examples ever produced ? Is there any photographic evidence in the book ?
Thanks again,
Broomie

[Mauro]

Hi Broomie,
From UK you can order the book directly from us (authors).


If you are interested in the Ottoman - Mauser long relationship you will be very happy from what the book can offer to you. Paul Mauser had a very good relationship with Abdul Hamid II. You will learn the frustration of Paul Mauser about the very limited acquisition of C96 compared with the huge amount of Mauser Rifle and Carbine acquired by the Ottoman Empire; Paul tried hard to push the Ottoman Empire to acquire more C96 but there was no interest about this pistol.


About the recipients, you will know who received the 1000 pistols and you will see also, for the first time, the Turkish C96 manual.


However, no photo of Turkish soldier with C96... and you will see the main reason why it is almost impossible finding a photo of a Turkish Soldier with a C96.


Can you please tell me the serial number of your Turkish C96 for my database? 


Cheers,


Mauro Baudino

[broomie]

My Turkish Conehammer is all matching numbered and is serial numbered 136 in Rumi of course.
So far I have only come across one photo of a Turkish officer carrying a holstered C96, it is on page 202 of a book "Turk Askeri Kiyafetleri" by I. Dunya Savasi'nda.
How much is the book , I will order one by the end of next month (April). Thanks again Mauro, you've been a great help 
Broomie

[Mauro]

Broomie,
Thank you for the serial number of your Turkish C96.


The book costs 90 euros in the standard edition and 150 in the deluxe edition.


Please have a look at the web site: www.paul-mauser-archive.com


You can find all the information about the book and the researches in the Paul Mauser and early Mauser Archives.


Cheers,


Mauro Baudino

[broomie]

I am sorry I didn't see the price first time,  , I will definitely order one in April.
Meanwhile, I have a Russian / Ukrainian friend who is also a C96 collector and he may well buy one 
Speak soon,
Paul
P.S. If I know how to post some photos of my Turkish Conehammer with stock, and my Persian Contract Pre-War i will do so straight away.

[Mauro]

Good Paul,
Thanks.
If you wish you can also send the pics directly to me at: mauser.archive@gmail.com


If you go there: http://www.paul-mauser-archive.com/book%20information.htm


You can see a Turkish C96 with on the back a very rare document. It is a leather book presented by Husny Bey, President of the Imperial Ottoman Commission in Karlsruhe, to Paul Mauser for his 70th birthday in 1908.


The original photo shows, from the left, Mr. Doll, Mr. Schmid, and Husny Bey, President of the Imperial Ottoman Commission in Karlsruhe with model 1893 rifles.


Just two of the unique documents available in the archive... enjoy!


Mauro Baudino

[Douglas Jr.]

Hi Mauro,


I don't know if this is the right place to do this, but I have a Persian C96 that is not reported in your Mauser's book.
Serial number 154009 - unfortunately it was restored, but it still display its marks well.
Douglas.

[Mauro]

Douglas,
Thank you so much for the information.
I will add to my database.

Cheers,
Mauro