Introduced in 1896, the Mauser Construktion 96 semiautomatic pistol was chambered for 7.63x25mm aummunition and featured an integral box magazine. The wooden shoulder stock doubled as a holster. Many people know it as the "broomhandle" Mauser. During the war Germany contracted with Mauser for pistols chambered for 9mm ammo to augment the standard 9mm Luger sidearms. Many military units branded a big red "9" in the grips so soldiers would use the right ammunition.
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.