Stark magazine from GT
 

I am looking for historical background information on "Stark" magazines that may have been provided to Mauser at the beginning of their production ramp up in 1930. GT has provided me with such a mag that has an unmarked aluminum bottom. It fits very nicely with my pre-WWI commercial pistol that has been reworked to 9 m/m during the transition of tooling from BKIW to Mauser. The pistol is early Reichsadler H and WaA66 proofed. Any information on this rare magazine would be much appreciated.

I also want to publicly acknowledge the superb work that GT does.
He has taken beat up and none functional magazines and returned them to me in 99+ percent condition. I don't know how he does it, but he does. He is also a joy to work with. Thanks again, GT.

STARK mags?
 

Hi to all, and thanks to Harley for the kind words, he is a true gentleman... I'm happy to help in this hobby of ours!
As for the "STARK" marked magazines, does anyone even have any? If so, how are the bottoms marked? If no one has any, then they are even more rare then I had suspicioned? Best to all, til...lat'r....GT

I have at least one "Stark" magazine, it is in one of my lugers- but I don't remember which one!
Nor what base it has.
I'll see if I can rustle it up.

I believe they date to the 1920's, I've seen them in one of the books, but CRS strikes again-
maybe I can find more info or a reference.

Most of the stark magazines I have seen are numbered 1,2, or 3 above the serial number and */K below.
That is about all I know about them.

Tom

I've been told that "stark" is the German word for "strong". TH

Stark does mean strong, but I think it is also the name of the supplier. Seems whover 'Stark' were, they got a police contract of some sort.

Possible source?
 

Does anyone think is is possible that Mauser purchased some of these magazines for use during the initial transition from BKIW? I gather that the transition was not easy and adding magazine manufacture to the mix nay have easily avoided.

Thanks again for your inputs.....

Harley

I don't think so.
Stark mags predate "Mauser", and are primarily seen in police lugers.

Hallock writes about Stark on p645 of "The Mauser Pistol"; stating basically the maker is unknown, and all examples are associated with police use.
On p641 he relates from a July 7, 1934 document that magazines from the firm Otto Mansfeld were not satisfactory in the long term, and that Mauserhalted magazine procurement from others, and brought production into Oberndorf.

I'm not aware of any "Stark" magazines with military acceptance markings, only police.
I believe these were obtained by and served in the police armorers organization and not with Mauser production.
Quite simply they are replacement magazines or bodies used in supplying necessary replacement or repair for police magazines.
JMHO.:cheers: