This is an extremely rare prototype of the Mauser Model 1912/14 semi-automatic pistol, chambered for 45 ACP instead of the more common 9 mm. Part of the same chain of development as the Model 1910 pistol, both the 1910 and the 1912/1914 stem from early attempts at military caliber semi-automatic pistols; having run into issues with larger rounds, Mauser scaled the design down to a straight blowback in pocket caliber, creating the popular and successful 1910. After the 1910's success, Mauser returned to the drawing board and gave larger calibers another go. The heart of the system is a blowback delay mechanism consisting of a set of spring loaded bearing surfaces that engage the slide; before the slide can disengage from the barrel, it needs to overcome the resistance these surfaces provide, greatly slowing the opening of the breech. When engaged, it's effectively impossible to cycle the slide by hand, and a lever ahead of the trigger guard moves the bearing surfaces clear and permits slide manipulation. While the 9 mm version is seen with a refined version of this mechanism that conceals most of the works inside the frame, on this prototype the mechanism is external, a solid metal piece contoured to match the frame, which visibly engages a set of external slide notches. Behind the slide notches is a set of externally visible metal projections, which are part of an internal buffer mechanism designed to soften the blow of the slide hitting the end of its range of motion. The design's connection to the 1910 is clearly visible, and save for the recoil delay mechanism the 1912/1914 clearly shows its familial connection to the smaller Mauser, maintaining the same ergonomics, slide shape, barrel retention mechanism and frame configuration. A smooth one-piece grip wraps around the back of the frame, with a butt-mounted magazine catch and a blued magazine numbered "12" on the spine, with oval viewing holes on the left side. The "12" on the magazine is the only visible marking on the pistol. Overall, 1912-1914 pistols are very scarce in any caliber; production of the 9mm was very limited, with known numbers suggesting less than 200 manufactured and 45 ACP examples believed to number in the single digits. A high quality custom made leather covered case is included. Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection

Very fine, with 70% of the original blue finish, showing areas of gray patina, bright edge wear and mild spotting and handling marks. Strong straw colors are present on the trigger and takedown latch. The recoil device retains 40% of a bright niter blue finish, concentrated at the back and fading to a smooth gray at the front. The grips are fair, with a pair of cracks forming up the back and mild scratches and scuffs. The case is excellent. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare chance to own an aesthetically pleasing and mechanically intriguing piece of Mauser's history, which would be difficult to match, let alone beat.