Mauser HSc (Kriegsmarine)

[Blm14740]

Hello all,

I recently picked up a Mauser HSc because I was pretty certain I was getting a good deal on it ($425). I knew nothing about it other than the fact that it was an HSc and had German military proof markings. I really haven't strayed too far from Lugers since I started collecting.

Upon further research I believe this gun to be a Kriegsmarine pistol (4th Variation). Someone with more knowledge, please feel free to educate me.

Photos attached.

Thanks in advance, guys.

-Brandon

[Lyn Islaub]

Normally, Kreigsmarine accepted HSc pistols carried Eagle N proof marks on the frame by the trigger area and on the front of the slide. The actual Kreigsmarine acceptance marks were larger than standard proofs with a NSDAP eagle over a capital M usually on the left or right hand side of the slide and sometimes on the frame just below the slide. Additionally once the pistol had been assigned there would be a marking (letter and 4 digit number) on the front or rear grip strap to designate which fleet it was assigned to. My old eyes are having trouble reading the proof on the trigger guard area, but I suspect it is a normal Eagle N proof mark. If you could enlarge the 3rd picture from the top, I might be able to comment further.

[Blm14740]

Lyn,

Thanks for the reply. I'm out of town at the moment so I can't grab a better picture just yet. The proof mark in question is an Eagle over M III/8.

-Brandon

[Lyn Islaub]

I might have led you a bit astray, because HSc pistols issued to the Kreigsmarine had the Eagle M located on the grip strap. This picture is poor and I don't know why I didn't take better ones before I sold the pistol.
Lyn

[Lyn Islaub]

Jeez,
I'm getting old, I guess, because forgetfulness has set in and it is true that the third variation HSc pistols issued to the Kreigsmarine had an unusual acceptance proof located as seen in your picture #3, but yours is about 5,000 pistols out of the serial number range. Only about 2,000 of this variation were produced through the 885,000 range so I'm not sure if there is later research information out there that would verify your serial number is within the range of third variation production. Sorry for the confusion in my previous answer.
Lyn

[Blm14740]

Originally Posted by Lyn Islaub

Jeez,
I'm getting old, I guess, because forgetfulness has set in and it is true that the third variation HSc pistols issued to the Kreigsmarine had an unusual acceptance proof located as seen in your picture #3, but yours is about 5,000 pistols out of the serial number range. Only about 2,000 of this variation were produced through the 885,000 range so I'm not sure if there is later research information out there that would verify your serial number is within the range of third variation production. Sorry for the confusion in my previous answer.
Lyn

Lyn,

According to http://p38gun.com/HSc.htm there is a 4th Kriegsmarine variation with my serial number included in the range. The site says some 4,500 of this variation were produced.

-Brandon

[Lyn Islaub]

You're right Brandon, as I also found a reference to that variation. Congratulations, you have a great and rare find at a very, very low price.
Thx, Lyn

[Blm14740]

Originally Posted by Lyn Islaub

You're right Brandon, as I also found a reference to that variation. Congratulations, you have a great and rare find at a very, very low price.
Thx, Lyn

Any estimation on value of this thing? My research online has left me with a wide array of prices.

-Brandon

[Lyn Islaub]

I would say offhand that it is worth double what you paid for it and maybe a bit more. I sold a more conventionally marked one (the picture I posted) for $1,000 less than 2 years ago.
Lyn