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LOT 3438
Very Scarce Antique German Mauser Model
1877 Single Shot Falling Block Pistol Serial
Number 29 - Serial no. 29, 10.6 mm cal., 7 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. This is a very scarce
example of a Mauser Model 1877 pistol, manufactured in 1876. Fewer than 100 are believed to have been
made in total, with most sold to military officers, per information on page 5 of the book “Mauser Pistolen”
(2008) by Weaver, Speed, and Schmid, and the original Mauser Sales Register shown and discussed on
pages 331-332 of the book “Mauser Archive” (2007) by Speed. Also known as the C77 Hinterladung (rear loader), these were the very
first handguns developed by the brothers Paul and Wilhelm Mauser. The first four of these pistols were reportedly sold to Prussian Army
lieutenants in May of 1877. The first patents were officially granted in 1877. The Model 1877 is a single shot breech loading pistol with a
novel falling block mechanism developed during a time of rapid advancement and military interest in adopting new handguns. After the
Mauser brothers had fulfilled some of their first successful rifle contracts, they were looking to get into the pistol market with something
that could withstand the harsh environment of the battlefield. By the time manufacture commenced on a small batch of these pistols,
multi-shot revolvers were already accepted and in widespread military and civilian use, so the Mauser brothers decided to change course
and instead invested their efforts in development of their subsequent Model 1878 “Zig-Zag” revolver. This explains the rarity of these early
Mauser single shot pistols. The breech block, hammer, and trigger assembly are made as a single unit fixed to a spring-loaded arm running underneath the barrel, and a hammer-like cocking spur is
on the rear of the block. When depressed, the breech block is held open by the extractor, and it closes automatically when a cartridge is inserted. The trigger works the double-action hammer and also
serves as a locking mechanism for the breech. It features blade front and fixed notch rear sights, serial number “29” on various components including the interiors of the grip panels, “PATENT/GEBR.
MAUSER & Cie/OBERNDORF A/N/WURTTEMBERG/1876” on the left side of the frame, with a safety switch on the left, a lanyard swivel on the butt, and a pair of varnished hardwood grips.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus arsenal refurbished blue finish, with smooth gray patina on the grip straps, light freckling, and crisp markings. Grips are fine with tight fitment, dents and
scratches, and distinct edges. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a key piece for an advanced military or Mauser collector!
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 10,000 - 18,000