WWII GERMAN MAUSER PISTOL MODEL HSC -
The Mauser HSc is a 7.65mm pistol made in Nazi Germany during World War II and post-war. The designation HSc stood for Hahn Selbstspanner ('self-cocking hammer') Pistole, third and final design 'C'. Production was continued in 1945–46 during the French occupation and, later, from 1968 to 1977 by Mauser. It features a semi-exposed hammer, double-action trigger, single-column magazine, and a spring surrounding the barrel.
The Mauser C96 (Construktion 96) is a semi-automatic pistol that was originally produced by German arms manufacturer Mauser from 1896 to 1937. Unlicensed copies of the gun were also manufactured in Spain and China in the first half of the 20th century. The distinctive characteristics of the C96 are the integral box magazine in front of the trigger, the long barrel, the wooden shoulder stock. The last three digits of that serial number are located on the bottom of the chamber (stamped) and the flat panel of the slide just under the muzzle (electropenciled). Production began in late 1940 at serial number 700,000, as an extension of the serial number range of the Mauser Model 1934 pistol, a much more difficult pistol to manufacture. First Variation serial numbers 701,348-715,680 (3,000 produced) complete 'rig' with 1941 holster - 702302 First Variation - sub variation large e/655 - 702805 Second Variation serial numbers 713,182-740,884 (5,000 produced) - 740043 Third Variation serial numbers 745,338-781,415. Nov 21, 2019 Although the firm name had been changed from Waffenfabrik Mauser to Mauser-Werke in 1922, the new name was not used on the pocket pistols until 1929 or 1930, at about serial number 400,000. 1934-1939-From 1914 to 1934 there had been little change in the 7.65 mm. Model, but in 1934 a change was made which altered its external appearance.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII German collectibles. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted. |
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The full serial number of each pistol is located on the front of the grip frame, just above the magazine. The last three digits of that serial number are located on the bottom of the chamber (stamped) and the flat panel of the slide just under the muzzle (electropenciled).
Production began in late 1940 at serial number 700,000, as an extension of the serial number range of the Mauser Model 1934 pistol, a much more difficult pistol to manufacture. The early pistols have well-made wooden grips, and are highly polished and richly blued. The first 1350 pistols were made for the commercial market and, because of the low positioning of the grip screws, have become known as the 'Low Grip Screw' variety. Approximately half of this initial production was purchased by the German Navy (Kriegsmarine). All these early low grip pistols are today very rare. At approximately serial number 701345 the grip screws were relocated upward to a more central and sturdier position.
The holster is made of brown leather. It has a separate pouch which holds a single magazine. A leather flap is placed on the lower section and hooks to a metal stud found on the flap. This secures the pistol in place when holstered.
The inside of the flap has the words 'Mauser 7.65' stamped with black ink.
Military personnel of all ranks not issued sidearms often purchased HSc pistols in the commercial marketplace and carried them in the field. Such commercial pistols often returned with veterans as World War II war souvenirs, often in military proofed HSc holsters.
German Mauser Pistol Serial Numbers
1914 Mauser Pistol Serial Numbers
Distribution of total HSc pistol production (1940–1945):| BRANCH | NUMBERS |
| Army (Heer) | 137,121 (54.4%) |
| Navy (Kriegsmarine) | 27,100 (10.8%) |
| Police (Polizei) | 28,300 (11.2%) |
| Commercial (Civil) | 59,467 (23.6%) |
| TOTAL | 251,988 (100.0%) |