C96 Mauser, Germany 1896

Description of the Product

The Mauser was the first powerful and reliable semi-automatic pistol and was therefore widely adopted as a military weapon. The first pieces were manufactured as early as 1896, and by the 1940's more than a million weapons had been produced. Much of the German arms factory's production was exported and the pistol was used all over the world. Mauser was known over the years by many names, e.g. C96, M96, P-7.63. This pistol was manufactured in both 9mm and 7.63mm caliber versions, but externally both versions are similar.

The Mauser weapons factory began designing a new automatic pistol in 1893, and in 1896 patents were applied for this new model under the name C96 (Construction 1896). The technology of this self-loading pistol was state-of-the-art, and the factory began receiving large orders as soon as the gun was completed. This pistol uses a recoil to cock the striker and to load a new cartridge, meaning the magazine could be fired empty simply by repeatedly pressing the trigger, when previous pistols needed to be manually cocked after each shot.

Worldwide, the C96 became a popular service weapon in the early 20th century, and officers from most countries acquired such pieces as their own service pistols. C96 was a common sight in the early 20th C. theaters of war; in the second Boer War in South Africa, the colonial wars around the world and of course in the first and second world war.

Small quantities of C96 pistols were purchased to Finland even before the Civil War, and larger and militarily significant quantities in 1917-1918. The delegation preparing for Finland's war for independence bought a large number of munitions from the German military leadership in 1917, which were brought to Finland by cargo ships and by a UC-57 submarine . These delivered over a  thousand C96 pistols. During the Civil War, this pistol with its large casing had a high visibility, and was given the nickname “Ukko-Mauser” (“Gaffer-Mauser”). A particularly large number of these were used as officer weapons by the “whites”.

Between the world wars, the Finnish Defense Forces acquired pistols with newer technology as service weapons, but the Mausers were sold on the civilian side in the 1930's, e.g. In the sports department of the Stockman department store. During the Second World War, Mausers were used in Finland mainly by paramilitary troops and in surveillance and guard duties.

The gun can be cocked and dry fired like the right one. The slide can be pulled back. This replica weapon is made of metal cast (zamak) and the handle plates are hardwood.

• This gun is an exact replica of the original. The replica matches the original in size and weight, and the mechanisms of the weapon are working. Due to the materials used, the mechanisms cannot withstand continuous cocking and firing for long periods.
• Genuine wood and cast metal have been used to make this replica weapon. Zamac differs from steel in many respects, so the structure of the gun does not withstand pressure, it cannot be used to fire cartridges, nor can it be converted to a functional weapon by any means.
• Replica guns such as this do not require permits in Finland, nor in many other countries. However, since the gun looks real, it should not be carried in public.
• A replica gun is perfect for historical re-enactment, on a theater stage, in film productions, for collectors of historical memorabilia, and as decoration.
• Length: 32cm
• Weight: 1120g
• Manufacturer: Denix

Due to the nature of this item please read about shipping options/restrictions if ordering outside Finland.   –More information about international shipping- 

Please note! in the video below is pictured a model where the handle plates are made of imitation wood. In this model for sale, the handle is real wood and more authentic and better looking.