Original German WWI Mauser C96 Pistol Leather Holster Harness by A. Ph. Hoffmann – Dated 1916 Original Items

Original item: One only. This is a solid example of a WWI production leather belt harness for transporting a wood holster-stock and cleaning tool for the Mauser C96 (Construktion 96). This semi-automatic pistol was developed by Mauser in 1896, and produced until 1937. Unlike most pistols of the time, the C-96 had an integral 10 round magazine, loaded by stripper clips, and had a 5.5 inch long barrel. It was originally chambered for 7.63×25mm Mauser, a high-velocity cartridge that along with the barrel gave the C-96 better range and penetrating power than many contemporary pistols. When combined with the standard wooden shoulder-stock, it was highly accurate and a formidable force on the battlefield.

The aforementioned shoulder stock had an additional purpose, which was to serve as a holster for the pistol. The pistol fits almost completely inside the stock, which then itself is held by the leather harness. This fine example is maker marked and dated on the rear:

A. PH. HOFFMANN
BERLIN
1916

This example is in good condition, and constructed of brown leather typical of the WWI period. The leather does have some splitting in the finish and wear from use, as it is just over 100 years of age, and it is overall stiff. Two of the three metal studs are still intact, while the stud on the stripper clip pouch has torn out, still held in the leather lid. The closure for holding the wooden holster in place also has a worn securing hole, so it pulls free easily.

These holsters are extremely scarce, and hard to find in any condition.