Mauser C96 used
by the Landespolizei of
South West
Africa
Photos © Nicolas Farion The Mauser C96 (nicknamed
the Broom Handle) was a semi-automatic pistol designed by
Fidel, Friedrich, and Josef Feederle and manufactured by
Mauser from 1896 onwards. It was designed to be able to
receive a wooden stock attachment if needed, which also
doubled as its holster.
It was a popular choice of
pistol as a private purchase option for officers in the
Imperial German army and navy of the early 20th Century. The
C96 was also in use in other armies including those
of Italy, Austria, Finland and China. Winston Churchill carried
a C96 at the Battle of Omdurman during the Sudan Campaign of 1898. The C96 finally ceased production in 1937.
The pistol in the photos below
is marked on the butt, 'Orts Polizei Behörde' or local
police authority, and 'Keetmanshoop' in German South West
Africa. |