French Gendarmerie C96: A German Pistol for the Occupation

Published on April 20, 2020
Duration: 8:30

This entry details the French Gendarmerie C96, a post-WWI Mauser C96 variant. It highlights its historical context, unique markings like the 'MW' monogram and 'Germany' export stamp, and technical anomalies such as 7.63mm caliber with 50-500m tangent sights, likely due to parts bin utilization. The C96's tactical utility as a pistol or compact carbine for occupation forces is also discussed.

Quick Summary

The French Gendarmerie C96 is a distinct Mauser C96 variant produced in 1919, featuring 'MW' monogram grips and a 'Germany' export stamp. Notably, it combines 7.63mm Mauser caliber with 50-500m tangent sights, a feature usually reserved for 9mm Parabellum models, suggesting parts bin engineering from 'Red 9' production.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the French Gendarmerie C96
  2. 00:45Historical Context and the 1919 Contract
  3. 02:23Visual Identification and Markings
  4. 04:06Technical Anomaly: Sights and Caliber
  5. 06:37Tactical Utility for Occupation Forces

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the French Gendarmerie C96 unique?

The French Gendarmerie C96 is unique due to its post-WWI production context, specific 'MW' monogram grips, and the unusual combination of 7.63mm Mauser caliber with 50-500m tangent sights typically found on 9mm Parabellum models, likely due to parts bin utilization.

What was the historical context for the French Gendarmerie C96?

Produced in 1919, this Mauser C96 variant was likely sold to the French government for use by occupation troops in Germany following WWI, before the formal signing of the Treaty of Versailles imposed restrictions.

What are the key visual identifiers for the French Gendarmerie C96?

Key identifiers include hard rubber grips featuring an intertwined 'MW' monogram for Waffenfabrik Mauser and a 'Germany' export stamp often visible on the left side plate of the pistol.

How was the Mauser C96 utilized by the French Gendarmerie?

The C96 served as a de facto carbine for the Gendarmerie, offering a high-capacity, portable option that could be fitted with a shoulder stock for compact carbine duties during risky occupation assignments.

More General Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →