Lot 302

Prototype Mauser Model 1912 Delayed Blowback Pistol

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Prototype Mauser Model 1912 Delayed Blowback Pistol

Estimate: $9,500 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Prototype Mauser Model 1912 Delayed Blowback Semi-Automatic Pistol Developed c.1910s, the Mauser Model 1912 was intended to take the base design of the Model 1910 and refine it to compete in the realm of other full powered military and defense handguns of the day such as the 9mm Luger and Colt's 45 ACP offerings. Most critically in this process would be replacing the straight blowback operation of the 1910 with a delay mechanism suitable for more powerful cartridges. In the early models, this took the form of the "Stuetzklappe", a ramped spring-loaded lever that interfaced with notches in the slide when the pistol was in battery to create a delayed blowback effect; on discharge, the slide would need to overcome the resistance produced by this lever before recoiling backwards, keeping the breech closed as initial discharge pressures fell to safe levels. As this lever produced a lot of friction against the slide, an external control built into the trigger guard allows the shooter to manually disengage the device, freeing up the slide for manual retraction. The earliest iterations of the stuetzklappe were externally mounted, but the transition was made to an internal one piece assembly (as seen on this item) during the prototype phase, and later to a two-piece mechanism on the production weapons. An unknown number of hand-made prototypes were made to test the internal lever, with examples pictured on pages 89 and 90 of "Mauser Pistolen" by Weaver, Speed and Schmid. While mechanically intriguing, the stuetzklappe device failed to gain traction, with Mauser internally moving on to other systems like flange blocks and rotating barrels, and the Browning-style tilting barrel short recoil mechanism taking its place in history as the de facto global standard for military/defense caliber handguns. In overall configuration the 1912's connection to the 1910 is readily apparent, with fixed sights on the partially enclosed barrel and the serrated slide, external guide pin for the recoil spring, near-90 degree grip angle, safety switch with spring-loaded release, and heel mounted magazine catch, though deviates with the aforementioned stuetzklappe, a sideplate release lever on the left side, and the overall increased dimensions and mass. The slide is marked "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER A-G. OBERNDORF A.N MAUSER'S PATENT." on the left side, "53" on the slide, barrel, frame, guide pin, trigger, and sideplate, with smooth grip and an unmarked modified magazine.

Manufacturer: Mauser

Model: 1912

BBL: 4 3/8 inch round

Gauge: 9mm Luger

Finish: bright

Grips: hardwood

Serial Number53

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler
  • Condition: Good. The metal surface is bright polished, with scattered shallow pitting, dings and spotting and overall crisp edges. The period handmade replacement grip is fair as revarnished, with minor scuffs and chips. The slide catch does not consistently engage as a result of braised repairs to the magazine retaining stud beneath the grip and the magazine floor plate; otherwise, mechanically functions. A rare chance to own an intriguing competitor from the critical developmental days of the modern semi-automatic combat pistol.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000