This is a very scarce example of a Mauser Model 1877 pistol. Also known as the C77 Hinterladung (rear loader), these were the very first handguns developed by the brothers Paul and Wilhelm Mauser. It was manufactured in 1876 per the date marking on the left of the frame and is one of less than 100 believed to have been manufactured in total per page 5 of the book "Mauser Pistolen" (2008) by Weaver, Speed, and Schmid. This exact pistol, serial number 91, is pictured and discussed on page 2 of "Mauser Pistolen." The first four of these pistols were reportedly sold to Prussian Army lieutenants in May of 1877 per the original Mauser Sales Register shown and discussed on pages 331-332 of the book "Mauser Archive" (2007) by Speed. 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 led to 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, "91" on a number of components, "PATENT/GEBR. MAUSER & Cie/OBERNDORF A/N/WURTTEMBERG/1876" on the left side of the frame ahead of the safety switch, a lanyard swivel on the butt, and a pair of varnished wood grips. Provenance: The Harry Kaspar Collection; Private Collection

Exceptionally fine with 90% plus arsenal refurbished blue finish, some edge wear, a few dings on the edges of the triggerguard and breech block, and minor handling marks overall. The safety and extractor hinge plate both show strong niter blue, the latter concentrated around the screw with a straw toned patina on the remainder. Grips are very fine with some dings and varnish loss. Mechanically excellent. Though an intriguing and rugged design, the 1877 was very short lived. They are very difficult to acquire and are key pieces for collectors of Mauser handguns.