Premier Firearms Auction #86

August 26, 2022 to August 28, 2022

This auction has ended.

Premier Firearms Auction #86

August 26, 2022 to August 28, 2022

This auction has ended.

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Showing 1-26 of 26 results

Extremely Rare Documented World War II Bring Back 1941 Dated German Mauser G40k Experimental Prototype Bolt Action Carbine with Letter of Provenance

Lot 380

WWII Bring Back German Mauser G40k Prototype Carbine

This is an exceptional example of a extremely rare Mauser experimental prototype carbine; one of only several known to exist with one other example currently in the Aberdeen Proving Grounds Museum (serial V81) and another previously sold by Rock Island Auction Company (serial V84, auction 79, lot 1635). This specific example has the unique experimental/prototype "V" prefix serial number (V78) and it is theorized it was developed as a precursor to the G33/40 carbine or an attempt by the Mauser factory to produce a new improved, short lightweight version of the K98 rifle while still employing the full size 7.92 mm Mauser cartridge. This carbine is accompanied by an included letter of provenance that states, "My father was Lt. Colonel Eugene T. Powers from Springfield, Missouri. He joined the Army in 1939... Late in 1944 he was sent to Europe. He worked his way through France and got to Germany after the war ended. He participated in the liberation of POW camps and concentration camps. He served in the Army of Occupation until 1949. When he came home that year (at the rank of Captain), he brought back this rifle, Mauser G40k Serial # V78." and proceeds to list a few other items that are not included with the sale of this carbine. The receiver ring is marked "byf/41" and the receiver side wall is marked "G40k". The left side of the receiver and barrel are both appropriately stamped with serial number "V78". There is a large "eagle/swastika" firing proof on the left of the receiver, barrel and back side root of the bolt. Fitted with a short 19 1/4 inch barrel, and a shortened laminated K98k stock and handguard. The barrel appears to be the same general outward size and configuration as the K98k, however it is fitted with a much shorter "one-piece" milled rear sight base with a shorter rear sight staff. On this example, the tangent rear sight base is only three inches long versus four inches for the regular K98k and the staff is approximately 2 3/4 inch long. The face of the tangent sight is only graduated from "1-10" (100-1,000 meters) vs. 2-24 (200-2,400 meters) on a standard K98k rear sight. Both the top of the base and underside of the tangent are matching numbered "84". This short rifle/carbine design also eliminated the middle barrel band and instead, uses a "one-piece" all milled front barrel band which also secures the front of the handguard. Numerous early Mauser single or double "eagle/655" Waffenamt proofs are stamped on almost all the various components including the right of the receiver, flat of the trigger guard, floorplate, follower, extractor and collar, underside of the bolt handle, right of the bolt sleeve, rear face of the striker and bolt release. The bolt handle is unique in that it is correctly bent downward like a standard K98k, however it has a hole drilled through the center of the bolt knob, likely intended as a form of weight reduction while also improving grip ability. As noted, it is still fitted with a factory modified K98k laminated type buttstock and handguard with the stamped cupped steel buttplate and a takedown washer through the stock. A few areas of the stock are slightly thinner than a standard K98k (it takes careful observation to see), also a likely attempt to save weight. Make no doubt about it, the stock still retains its original wartime color and original finish. This rare early World War II prototype carbine has the beautiful all original commercial style Mauser blue finish.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 7.92 mm Mauser

Price Realized:

Excellent World War II Mauser "byf" Code, "41" Date P.08 "Black Widow" Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 388

Mauser "byf"/"41" P.08 Luger in "Black Widow" Configuration

Blade front and notch rear sights, the "41" date on the chamber and "byf" factory code on the front toggle link. Nazi "eagle" firing proofs are present on the barrel, breechblock and extension, and the barrel and extension are also stamped with "eagle/655" proofs. The frame is stamped "P.08" on the left. The black plastic grips and magazine base are unnumbered, with the other components matching overall.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Excellent Mauser 1939 Dated "Eagle/L" Police Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine

Lot 394

Mauser 1939 Dated "Eagle/L" Police Luger Pistol

Blade front and notch rear sights, with the "1939" date on the chamber and the Mauser Banner logo on the front toggle link. A Police "eagle/swastika L" proof is present on the right side of the extension, with "crown/crown/U" proofs on the left side of the extension and breechblock. External numbers are matching, including the magazine base, with a sear safety installed, full-blue components, standard "GESICHERT" and "GELADEN" markings and checkered walnut grips. With a blue finished matching magazine, marked "1/4480/w" on the aluminum base. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 403

Mauser K98 Bolt Action High Turret Sniper Rifle with Scope

In use from 1939 through 1945, the "high turret" sniper was one of the most effective sniper weapons in the German arsenal; ways were found to make less expensive snipers, but they never introduced a better model during the war. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with the scope mounts screwed and welded to the receiver. "Eagle/135" proofs are present on the rear sight sleeve, receiver (double struck, factory error), and the rear scope block, with "Mod. 98" on the receiver wall and a matching number on the bolt components (minus the unnumbered, trimmed-down safety) and the floorplate. The barrel bands (both stamped) are unnumbered, and both the trigger guard and floorplate are stamped with "byf" markings. The smooth laminate pistol grip stock is fitted with a brown leather sling, marked with a faint WaA stamp on the side, and fitted with a checkered and cupped steel buttplate. The Dalyran 4x scope is marked "76876/+" and "bek", with the front ring renumbered to match the rifle, rear ring with windage adjustment, a rubber eye cup and a set of leather lens covers.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 8 mm

Price Realized:

Rare Antique Mauser Model 1896 Six-Shot Cone Hammer Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 407

Antique Mauser 1896 Six-Shot Cone Hammer Broomhandle Pistol

This is a rare variation of the six-shot Mauser Model 1896 Cone Hammer Broomhandle Pistol. This was the last variation of the early six-shot Mauser pistol that features the 4 3/4 inch short barrel and the scarce fixed rear sight, making it a much handier pistol than the earlier models. Predating the more widespread "Bolo" Mauser, the six-shot follows similar design principles in an attempt to make a handier weapon, reducing overall weight and dimensions, including knocking off a significant amount of the frame. The end result has an unloaded weight about 7 ounces less than the standard Broomhandle, and a profile quite distinct from most Broomhandle variants. This example has early features such as the long extractor, dovetailed firing pin retainer and the narrow back strap cut for a shoulder stock. The chamber area is marked "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N". The left of the chamber is stamped with a "crown/crown/U" proofs, and the right has an early "Antler" proofmark from the Ulm proof house in Germany. The underside of the barrel has various Mauser single letter proofmarks. It has the large milled panels on each side of the receiver, with the milled/profiled magazine floor plate with the exposed detent button. It has the standard fixed blade front and notch rear sights. It has a blued metal finish with the breech bolt and hammer in the white and the straw colored trigger. The extractor, bolt stop and firing pin retainer are all heat blued. The matching serial number is marked on various components. Fitted with a set of walnut grips with 23 grooves and a lanyard ring on the underside of the butt. According to consignor, their father brought this pistol back from World War II.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 7.63 mm Mauser auto

Price Realized:

Lot 410

Antique Mauser Model 1896 Cone Hammer Broomhandle Pistol

Manufactured about 1897. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with the top of the chamber marked "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N", the left side is marked with a "crown/crown/U" German test proof, and an Oberndorf antler proof on the right flat. Matching numbers are present on the frame, hammer, follower, floorplate, and the ribbed grip panels. One "DM" marked stripper clip is included.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 7.63 mm Mauser auto

Price Realized:

Excellent World War II Mauser "byf" Code, "41" Date P.08 "Black Widow" Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster

Lot 412

Mauser "41/byf" P.08 "Black Widow" Luger

Blade front and notch rear sights, the "41" date on the chamber and "byf" factory code on the front toggle link. "Eagle" firing proofs are present on the barrel, breechblock and extension, and the barrel and extension are also stamped with "eagle/655" proofs. The frame is stamped "P.08" on the left. The black plastic grips and magazine base are unnumbered, with the other components matching overall. With a black leather flap holster marked "gjh/41" on the back with a small loading tool. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Excellent Mauser "S/42" Code 1938 Dated Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster

Lot 413

Mauser "S/42" Code 1938 Dated Luger Pistol

Dated 1938 on the chamber, with the "S/42" code on the toggle. "Eagle/63" and "droop wing eagle" proofs on the right side of the barrel extension and on the barrel, with the firing proof on the left side of the breechblock, and "GESICHERT" and "GELADEN" on the upper safety area and extractor, respectively. Minus the magazine (mixed) and grips (blank), numbers are matching overall. With a black leather flap holster dated 1938 and marked for Genschow of Berlin on the back and an "eagle/63" marked takedown tool. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 414

German Police Rework Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol Rig

Devoid of maker's marks or date, this pistol is a 1930's Mauser manufactured P.08 Luger reworked for use by German police forces. (Collectors sometimes refer to this as a Mauser 1933 "sneak" police rework). During the Weimar period, Simpson & Company was the primary firm for this sort of work. Blade front and notch rear sights, with a blank chamber, faint "Imperial eagle" proofs on the barrel, extension and breechblock, and a faint "Droop-wing eagle" Waffenamt stamp on the right side of the extension. A sear safety has been installed on the left side of the extension, and a hole in the left side of the frame to accommodate a now-absent magazine safety. Matching numbers are present on the barrel, takedown latch, side plate, trigger, and rear toggle link. Two nickel finished alloy base magazines are included; both bases are numbered "4081" to match the pistol, with one marked "1" and the other marked "3" (instead of the "2" usually seen on a spare police-issue magazine). The police-style holster is also numbered to match the pistol, with "SCHAMBACH & CO/BERLIN/1934" on the back over a "sunburst" stamp, faint hand markings inside the flap, and a small takedown tool that has been numbered to match the pistol.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 416

Mauser Banner Model 1906/34 Swiss Contract Luger

This is an excellent example of a 06/34 "Mauser Banner" Swiss contract Luger pistol. These were manufactured by Mauser as a commercial contract for Switzerland. This example has the short style barrel extension with the 1906 frame with coil spring and grip safety, fast taper barrel, first pattern polished lower safety area and no stock lug. It is estimated that 500 were manufactured in the 3500v-4000v serial number range for both the Swiss Government, as well as other foreign countries. They can be found with and without a crest over the chamber area; this example bears the Swiss "cross in sunburst" crest. It has the standard "Mauser Banner" on the front toggle, with "eagle/N" commercial proofmarks and "Kal. 7,65" on the barrel. The full serial number and suffix is located on the front of the frame, with the number alone repeated on the left side of the barrel extension and underside of the barrel, with the last two digits of the serial number stamped on the various other parts. Import marks for HI LLC of Bettendorf, Iowa have been added around the magazine well. This scarce Swiss contract Luger is complete with one matching magazine that has the all blue extruded body, sans German proofs, with an aluminum base marked "3880/v". Also included is a Swiss pattern holster with shoulder strap, with a Zurich leatherworker's mark on the rear and faint hand markings inside the flap.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 7.65 mm Luger Auto

Price Realized:

Mauser Small Ring Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol with Shoulder Stock

Lot 418

Mauser Small Ring Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol with Stock

Manufactured circa World War I. Blade front and 1000 yard tangent rear sights, with a "crown/crown/U" proof on the left side of the chamber, "crown/gothic letter" proof on the right, the Mauser Oberndorf address on top of the chamber and on the right side of the frame, and a "NS" small ring hammer. Matching numbers are present on the chamber, bolt, bolt catch, hammer, hammer housing, frame and the serrated grip panels. With a hardwood shoulder stock/holster, numbered "377" on the mounting iron. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 7.63 mm

Price Realized:

Lot 420

Mauser Model 1896 Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol

Blade front and tangent rear sights, with the Mauser address on the chamber and frame, "crown/crown/U" and "crown/gothic letter" proofs on the chamber, matching visible serial numbers and NS hammer. Fitted with a matching number set of fine ribbed grips. This is unique in that it is chambered in 9 mm parabellum and does not have the typical Red 9 marked grips. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 MM

Price Realized:

World War I Imperial German Mauser C96 Broomhandle "Red 9" Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lot 422

WWI Imperial German Mauser C96 Broomhandle "Red 9" Pistol

This is a standard World War I contract Mauser Model 1896 "Red 9" Broomhandle pistol. The right of the frame and top of the chamber have standard Mauser Oberndorf manufacturer markings, and "crown/crown/U" proofs and German military acceptance marks are located on the barrel, barrel extension and bolt. It has a standard fixed front sight, rear sight marked "50-500", and the hammer marked with the intertwined "NS" for new safety. Matching visible serial numbers on various components. Fitted with standard grooved grips with the large number "9" on each side filled with red paint. The front of the magazine well has the standard Imperial Eagle proof mark.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm Luger

Price Realized:

Excellent World War II German "byf" Code "42" Dated Luger Pistol with Holster and Extra Magazine

Lot 426

World War II German "byf"/"42" Luger with Holster, Extra Mag

Fixed sights, with the "42" date on top of the chamber and "byf" on the front toggle link. Overall metal finish is blue, with checkered grips and an alloy base magazine. The grips and magazine are unnumbered, otherwise the parts are matching in a "military" pattern. With a brown leather holster dated 1938 on the back, and a mixed numbered magazine. Attached to the flap of the holster is an enamel badge for the 26th Infantry Regiment; a component of the "Big Red One" 1st Infantry Division, the 26th saw action in multiple amphibious assaults in Africa and Europe, including action at Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. No specific details regarding the owner of the pistol are supplied, but Lugers were extremely popular souvenirs and war trophies, and a soldier of the 26th no doubt would have multiple opportunities to claim one in the field.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Incredibly Historic, Iconic, and Well Documented: The Only Surviving “DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol” Originally Used by Harrison Ford Starring as Han Solo in Filming and Promotion of the 1977 Epic "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope"

Lot 1247

Documented Mauser Broomhandle “DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol” Prop

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... or rather, London in the mid-1970s, production of prop weapons for a little known and quite under-funded science fiction fantasy movie, dreamt up by George Lucas, had just begun. Released in 1977, the movie would eventually come to be known as "Star Wars" or "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope", kicking off a franchise that would go on to garner a cult following unlike anything the film industry had ever seen. Much of Lucas' vision for Star Wars was based around the characters, gear, vehicles, and settings being believable, a concept he often called "used future". The "used future" concept he envisioned relied heavily on the equipment the characters used and the vehicles they traveled in having a "lived in" or well-used appearance, a concept that had previously been almost entirely absent from the often "over-polished" and "over-sanitized" genre of science fiction. This drive to create a more grimy sci-fi world paired with quite limited initial funding led to some interesting solutions in the prop department, especially when it came to the weapons that would be used in filming. This specific pistol is a prime example of that resourcefulness, combining components from multiple different readily available surplus weapons. One of the more important developments in creating the perfect aesthetic for Star Wars came early on in the process through work between Lucas, Roger Christian the set decorator, and John Barry the production designer, a development which would come to be known as "greebles". The term "greebles" came to represent all the small mechanical looking parts that littered the surfaces and interiors of spacecraft and models in the first film and its successors, a concept which also carried over into hand held props and costume design. Many of the "greebles" for set construction either came from the purchase of scrapped and disassembled aircraft parts, which were well within the production's meager budget, or through disassembled, mixed, and matched toy model kits when building scale models for filming. This budget minded, "one man's trash is another's treasure" sort of attitude was equally applied when designing the personal weapons to be carried by the film's main protagonists. The production teamed up with Bapty & Co., a London based prop house, to provide all of the prop weapons for the film. Due to the limited time and budget available for production it was eventually decided to use as many existing items as possible, especially things such as readily available surplus firearms which could be modified with accessories and "greebles" to become almost unrecognizable when on screen. Examples of this can be seen throughout Star Wars such as the BlasTech E-11 blasters carried by most Stormtroopers, which were modified Sterling L2A3 submachine guns. Then there was the BlasTech DLT-19 Heavy Blaster Rifle, also carried by the Emperor's finest, which is a modified MG34 machine gun. Yet another example was a modified Lewis gun, which became the BlasTech T-21, preferred by those looking to turn Rebel scum into Swiss cheese with a rapid-fire blaster. Perhaps the most iconic surplus firearms used as props in the movie however was the Mauser C96 pistol or "Broomhandle" Mauser, which would not only become the Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc. Model 44 blaster carried by many Imperial officers, but also the iconic BlasTech DL-44 heavy blaster pistol carried by the stuck up, half-witted, scruffy-looking, Nerf-herder himself, Han Solo. Three Mauser C96 pistols were originally modified into DL-44 blasters for the film, with only one functional scope which was switched between the three depending on the detail needed in specific shots. One of the first close glimpses of one of the blasters is in the famous "Cantina" standoff scene between Solo and the bounty hunter Greedo. The DL-44 sees further action in the shootout during the escape of Mos Eisley. This specific pistol is documented by Tony Watts, who acquired Bapty & Co. and its stock in 2000, as well as by Carl Schmidt, the lead armorer for the film, as one of the three original DL-44 heavy blasters made for Star Wars: Episode IV, and the only surviving example. After filming of "A New Hope" had concluded, the three DL-44 blasters were returned to near their original "Broomhandle" configuration for use in other films by the prop company, their future importance to both the film and Star Wars community all but unknown at the time. The story of this specific DL-44 blaster, like many such legendary movie props, is complicated, and is perhaps best told by those who oringally made it and later re-discovered it. Below is presented the partial text from the included letter from Tony Watts, the owner and managing director of Bapty & Co. from 2000-2020, in which he describes the original design and development of the pistols for "A New Hope", as well as how this specific example came to be: "When I acquired the stock of Bapty & Co. in the year 2000 I had little knowledge of this film. It was only when a film memorabilia company bought the last of our prop Sterlings and other known pieces from ‘Star Wars’ that the question of what happened to the Han Solo blaster awakened my interest. I asked Carl Schmidt, who was the lead armorer on the film, what the true history was. As often the case the reality is something more complicated and sometimes much simpler than ever imagined, confounded with a near fifty-year memory gap. In liaison with the production company’s Art Department it was decided to use a Mauser C96 pistol with a vintage German Hensoldt scope, the scope having been used previously on a Frank Sinatra film amongst others, and an added MG81 flash hider on a cut down barrel for the Han Solo pistol. The Production wanted real blank firing guns for the action scenes to help with synchronisation of special effects and to aid actors in their reactions. As is standard practice on a film set, more than one firearm is required for filming. Between Second Unit and stunt double needs, publicity requirements and spares in case of malfunction with blank-firing conversions during filming, extra guns are always necessary and present. Initially two pistols were prepared and as filming progressed a third was created as production requirements increased. There was only ever one genuine scope and mount which was transferred to which ever pistol was in closeup. Dummy scopes and mounts were used when required. All three C96 pistols were taken from Bapty & Co. stock and, being hand crafted, had minor differences and marks, the details of which are now lost in time. Now what became of all this after filming. Due to restrictive firearms laws in the UK, the guns were stripped back to their original condition with added lugs cut off, barrel extensions (blank firing only) or moderators added and refinished for use in future films. The importance of ‘Star Wars’ or these items used in the film not being recognised at the time. Fast forward to 2010, and after constant badgering from myself, Carl Schmidt proudly came to me with the original Hensoldt-Wetzlar ‘Ziel Dialyt 3x’ scope he had found in one of the multitude of Bapty & Co. oddments boxes. Then in 2018 he made my year by discovering the remains of the original scope mount in the bottom of one of his parts chests. Sadly it was only the upper two-thirds of the mount as the base had been cut off sometime in the intervening years. Now my attention was spent in looking at our remaining stock of C96 Mauser pistols. Many had been lost in a government hand-in scheme in 1997 but we still possessed five much worn and abused complete C96 pistols. Four had their original length barrels but one, serial number 299415, had a re-lengthened barrel and faint witness marks on the side which had been linnished and re-coloured. This was undoubtably one of the three original guns used on the 1977 ‘Star Wars’ set and the only one to survive. Now for my own personal satisfaction I asked Carl, although retired, if he was prepared to return to Bapty and rebuild what he had helped create all those years earlier and he agreed but with the proviso that he would only re-assemble the parts we had in the spirit of how they were originally put together. A flash hider was taken from our MG81 spares box, given their rarity feasibly the same one as used in 1977, and he got to work. The base of the scope mount in 1977 was possibly a complicated slide on dovetail but it was decided not to try and replicate that as the exact detail has been forgotten and just create speculation amongst ‘Stars Wars’ enthusiasts. Also the gizmos and small pieces glued on by the Art Department to make the C96 look suitably futuristic have not been replaced, even though replica parts are available, for the sake of purity. Whilst not being in the exact form seen by millions in the film, the end result contains 80% of the last remaining pieces of this iconic prop." The pistol itself shows many of the original markings of the Mauser C96 pistol which it is based upon, including the the partial two-line Waffenfabrik Mauser address visible on either side of the rear scope base lug, a "crown/gothic letter" proof on the right of the chamber, and the partial serial number, "9415", over "crown/crown/U" proof on the left of the chamber. The full serial number "299415" is marked twice on the rear, and "212" can be seen very faintly on the rear of the hammer. It retains the original rear tangent sight graduated from 50-1000. It has been fitted with a sleeve over the original barrel to create a more substantial profile and has been setup to fire 9mm blanks with a threaded lug, numbered "415" to the gun, for attachment of the MG81 flash hider which is held in place by a set screw on the bottom. The lower scope base is marked "ZF 2602ii" on the interior and has a serrated set screw retaining the upper portion of the the base/rings. The scope is marked "HENSOLDT WETZLAR/ZIEL DIALYT 3x" on the right of the tube and "976l" on the right of the adjustment dial base. The adjustment dial is graduated 1-10 on top. The left side of the scope tube is marked "GW.No.2602ii", with the "ii" obscured by the front scope ring. The serrated grips are both stamped "280" internally. As stated in the letter from Tony Watts, the pistol lacks many of the small "greeble" details that were attached later for filming, and have likely been lost to time. Also includes a BATFE letter stating, "Based on the provided information, it appears the submitted pistol was modified for use as a prop in the 1977 film 'Star Wars' by Harrison Ford's character Han Solo. The submitted Mauser C96 pistol derives a substantial part of its monetary value from its connection to the 'Star Wars' film" and approved it for importation by a licensed importer." Includes a Han Solo photograph signed by Harrison Ford. There has been as much endless speculation regarding the configuration, whereabouts, and condition of the original three DL-44 heavy blasters used in the promotion and filming of "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope" as there has been about whether "Han shot first" (he did), with this being the only surviving example this is an opportunity you don't want to miss! Provenance: Bapty & Co. London

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm

Price Realized:

Excellent German Mauser Baby Model 1878 'Zig-Zag' Single Action Revolver

Lot 1321

German Mauser Baby 1878 'Zig-Zag' Single Action Revolver

Developed in 1878, the C78 or Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" revolver was the first handgun designed and developed by Paul Mauser and his firm. A competitor to be the first centerfire cartridge-fed handgun adopted by the German military, the 1878 scored high marks in overall performance, though concerns about the complexity of the design led them to choose the 1879 Reichs revolver instead. At the heart of the mechanism is the combination of an angular track (the titular "Zig-Zag") machined into the side of the cylinder and a toothed reciprocating bar linked to the hammer, which serves to both advance and lock the cylinder, in contrast to the more commonly seen pawl/sprocket and stop arrangement. Additionally, the spring responsible for resetting the cocking bar also powers the hammer, replacing the grip frame mounted leaf spring commonly seen in that era. For loading, the barrel assembly is hinged at the rear of the top strap, automatically pushing the hammer back to the safety notch when opened, with the closure latch doubling as the lever for a star-pattern extractor assembly. Sights are fixed, with "GEBR. MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N.WURTTEMBERG.1878" on top of the barrel rib. Matching full and partial serial number on various components and handwritten inside the gutta percha grip panels with raised dragon and floral themed decorations.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 7.6 mm

Price Realized:

German Mauser Model 1878 'Zig-Zag' Single Action Revolver

Lot 1323

German Mauser Model 1878 'Zig-Zag' Revolver

Developed in 1878, the C78 or Model 1878 "Zig-Zag" revolver was the first handgun designed and developed by Paul Mauser and his firm. A competitor to be the first centerfire cartridge-fed handgun adopted by the German military, the 1878 scored high marks in overall performance, though concerns about the complexity of the design led them to choose the 1879 Reichs revolver instead. At the heart of the mechanism is the combination of an angular track (the titular "Zig-Zag") machined into the side of the cylinder and a toothed reciprocating bar linked to the hammer, which serves to both advance and lock the cylinder, in contrast to the more commonly seen pawl/sprocket and stop arrangement. Additionally, the spring responsible for resetting the cocking bar also powers the hammer, replacing the grip frame mounted leaf spring commonly seen in that era. For loading, the barrel assembly is hinged at the rear of the top strap, automatically pushing the hammer back to the safety notch when opened, with the closure latch doubling as the lever for a star-pattern extractor assembly. Sights are fixed, with "GEBR. MAUSER & Cie OBERNDORF a/N WURTTEMBERG.1878.PATENT" on top of the barrel rib, "crown/V" German proof (not to be confused with the London proof) on the left of the barrel shroud and frame. Matching full and partial serial number on various components including the walnut grip panels.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 10.6 mm

Price Realized:

World War II German Mauser K98k High Turret Sniper Rifle with Scope

Lot 1514

German K98k High Turret Sniper Rifle with Scope

This is a solid representative example of a late World War II German high turret sniper rifle that was manufactured by the Mauser factory, fitted with a Dialytan 4x "bmj" code sniper scope. The top of the receiver ring is covered by the front turret scope base, reinforced with correct late war style soldering around the edges. The breech end of the barrel, left of the receiver and left of the rear scope base correctly have a small "Eagle/135" proof from the Mauser factory, with the receiver side wall marked "MOD 98". The receiver and barrel are period factory renumbered to match. The rifle has a late war stamped trigger guard and follower with a set of stamped barrel bands both marked with matching partial serial number "0623". The matching numbered bolt is wearing a correct "flattened" sniper safety. The stamped floorplate is maker marked "byf" with two "eagle/135" marks and the matching serial number. The rifle is fitted with a late war laminated stock numbered "31100" inside the stock channel, and laminated handguard numbered "30623" underneath to match the rifle, with a checkered steel buttplate. The scope tube is marked "DIALYTAN 4X/bmj" and "69825/+" on the left. The scope has the correct style sniper elevation knob on top graduated from 100-800 meters. The left of the front scope ring is numbered "36996 i", and the underside of the rear scope ring mount is marked with a period overstamped "33996" (likely a factory error with the second digit differing from the front base number). Includes a brown leather sling and reproduction leather scope caps. Relevant information and similar pictured examples can be found on pages 54-62 of the book "Backbone of the Wehrmacht Volume II: Sniper Variations of the German K98k Rifle" by Richard D. Law. Provenance: The Steven Preston Military Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 7.92 mm Mauser

Price Realized:

Lot 1527

Mauser "1940/42" P.08 Luger

Fixed sights, with "1940" on the chamber, "42" on the front toggle link, "8,81" internal diameter mark on the underside of the barrel, and "eagle/swastika" and "eagle/655" proofs on the appropriate parts. Metal finish is full blue, with a pair of checkered grips and a blued magazine with an alloy base. The magazine base is non-matching numbered, but the other components, including the grips, are matching numbered in military pattern. With a brown leather flap holster dated "1940" on the rear, "655" marked blued takedown tool, and an extra magazine. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm Luger

Price Realized:

Excellent World War II Mauser "byf" Code, "42" Date P.08 "Black Widow" Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Pigskin Holster

Lot 1536

Mauser "42/byf" P.08 Luger

Blade front and notch rear sights, "42" date on the chamber and "byf" factory code on the front toggle link. "Eagle" firing proofs are present on the barrel, breechblock and extension, and the barrel and extension are also stamped with "eagle/135" proofs. The frame is stamped "P.08" on the left. The black plastic grips and magazine base are unnumbered, with the other components matching overall. Includes a black pigskin holster marked "erg 42" on the rear, and a takedown tool. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm Luger

Price Realized:

Lot 1537

Mauser "G" Date "S/42" Code Luger

Manufactured by Mauser in 1935; while the Germans were still paying lip service to the Treaty of Versailles, 1935 was the second year of renewed Luger production, as the Nazis already had designs on Lebensraum in Eastern Europe and payback against the French. Fixed sights, with the "G" date mark on the chamber, "S/42" on the front toggle link, faint "W|154" and "S|92" proofs, and "drop wing eagle" firing proofs on the extension, barrel and breechblock. Straw colored small parts, nitre blue springs, pins and screws, checkered grips and a nickel magazine with aluminum base marked "B|90" along with a matching serial number. Numbers are matching overall, including on the grip panels. Included with the lot is a 1939 dated black leather flap holster with a F. Grosse Dresden makers mark and Waffenamt proof on the rear, extra magazine with a blued body and an "eagle/88" marked aluminum base, and an "eagle/63" marked takedown tool. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm Luger

Price Realized:

Excellent Mauser "S/42" Code "1938" Dated Luger Semi-Automatic Pistol with Matching Magazine and Holster Rig

Lot 1538

Mauser "S/42" Code 1938 Luger

Dated 1938 on the chamber, with the "S/42" code on the toggle. "Eagle/63" and "droop wing eagle" proofs on the right side of the barrel extension and on the barrel, with the firing proof on the left side of the breechblock, and "GESICHERT" and "GELADEN" on the upper safety area and extractor, respectively. Numbers are matching overall, including on the alloy magazine base and the back faces of the checkered grips. With a brown leather flap holster, marked "G.HEINCHEN/DRESDEN/1938" and "WaA142" between the belt loops, with an extra magazine (nickel body, unmarked alloy base) and an "eagle/63" marked takedown tool. Provenance: The Mel Raucher Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 9 mm Luger

Price Realized:

Lot 3410

Mauser Model 03 Africa Bolt Action Rifle

Manufactured in 2006 as a takedown rifle with an interchangeable barrel system, the Mauser M03 was a way to have one rifle that served many purposes by simply swapping the barrel and bolt head. This rifle is currently fitted with a .458 Lott barrel featuring a ramped beaded blade front and single standing leaf express rear sights. Mounted in a lightly figured, multi-point checkered walnut stock with ebony nose cap, black grip cap, Swiss cheekpiece, and a black rubber recoil pad. Includes the original box.

Has Box

Modern

Caliber / Gauge: 458 lott

Price Realized:

Mckinley Highsmith Upgraded Mauser Model 98 Bolt Action Rifle with Zeiss Scope

Lot 3414

Highsmith Upgraded Mauser Model 98 Rifle with Zeiss Scope

Built off a Mauser action by Mckinley Verne Highsmith, a famed Memphis gunsmith. Fitted with ramped beaded blade front and three leaf (one standing two folding) rear express sights, a central barrel band with sling loop, "HIGHSMITH MEMPHIS" on top of the barrel, and "7x57" on the left of the chamber. The front receiver ring is matted and fitted with a dovetailed scope base, the bridge has an integral scope base, and the bolt has been fitted with a side safety for use with a scope. Topped with a Zeiss Diatal -C 4x32 scope. Mounted in a nicely figured multi-point checkered walnut pistol grip stock with ebony forend cap, casehardened grip cap, shadowline cheekpiece, and engraved and checked Neidner buttplate with compartment.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 7x57 mm

Price Realized:

Duane Weibe Upgraded Mauser Model 98 Bolt Action Rifle with Zeiss Scope

Lot 3416

Duane Weibe Upgraded Mauser Model 98 Rifle with Scope

Manufactured on a "1900" dated Model 98 action by Duane Weibe. He is a charter member of the American Custom Gunmakers Guild and has gained the honor of being one of the most respected custom rifle makers in the country. The barrel is fitted with a ramped beaded blade front sight and quarter rib mounted four leaf (one standing, three folding) sights, central barrel band with sling loop, marked "257 Roberts" on the left side. Mounted with a Zeiss Varipoint V 1.1-4x24T* scope. Fitted in a nicely contrasted multi-point checkered walnut stock signed "D.W. WEIBE/1981" in the inlet with rosewood forend cap, blued steel grip cap, shadow line cheekpiece, and smooth blued steel buttplate with compartment.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 257

Price Realized:

Lot 3418

Upgraded Mauser Model 98 Bolt Action Rifle with Zeiss Scope

Built off a Mauser action, this rifle features a sightless barrel with a central band with sling loop marked "25-06" on the left of the chamber. The action features a matted front ring which is fitted with a dovetailed scope mount and integral rear mount which are fitted with a Zeiss Diavari-C 3-9x36 scope, three position safety, and double set triggers. Fitted on a wonderfully contrasted multi-point checkered walnut pistol grip stock with rosewood forend cap, blued steel grip cap, and checkered Neidner buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 25-06

Price Realized:

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