Mauser prototype Model in .45 ACP.
Extremely Rare Mauser Prototype .45 Caliber Self-Loading Pistol. The
only known example
manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser 1915. The pistol is marked: "
WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER A.G. OBERNDORF
a.N./ KONSTRUKTIONSDATUM 17:2, 1915" in two lines on the left side of
the frame. The rear of the frame is serial numbered "2." Nickel-
plated magazine numbered "3" at the rear near the base. Rust-blue
finish with niter-blued trigger. Barrel polished
bright. One-piece, wraparound European walnut grips with bordered
checkered panels on both sides. Slide has integral front sight
and ten deep grasping serrations at the rear. Mauser
patent descriptions covered the design of the .45 caliber
Mauser pistol and Mauser indicated in about 1912 they intended to produce
a model in .45 ACP - and at least one prototype was built.
Formerly in the collection of Sidney Aberman of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
The Aberman Collection, perhaps the finest and most comprehensive group
of automatic pistols ever assembled, included a .45 caliber
Luger, the .45 caliber Walther MP and the Roth .45 caliber.
To be sold at auction in December 2003 by Rock Island Auction.