History of WWI Primer 079: Ottoman Mauser 1887 Documentary

Published on July 3, 2018
Duration: 57:51

This entry details the Ottoman Mauser 1887, Peter Paul Mauser's final black powder design and the first for the Ottoman Empire. It covers the rifle's technical specifications, historical context, design evolution from earlier Mauser models, and its place in firearms history. The video highlights its unique features, such as the straight wrist stock and the Sultan's Tughra marking, while also discussing its cartridge and eventual obsolescence against smokeless powder rifles.

Quick Summary

The Ottoman Mauser 1887 is Peter Paul Mauser's last black powder rifle, featuring a bolt action, 8-round tubular magazine, and chambered in 9.5x60mmR. Weighing 9.31 lbs with a 49.3-inch overall length, it was the first Mauser for the Ottoman Empire but was soon overshadowed by smokeless powder rifles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Ottoman Mauser 1887
  2. 00:44Technical Specifications Overview
  3. 01:11Historical Context and Mauser's Early Business
  4. 02:23Design Flaws and the Two-Lug Solution
  5. 04:17Cartridge Development
  6. 04:42Business Expansion and Loss of Control
  7. 06:48The Path to the Ottoman Contract
  8. 08:10The Loewe Alliance
  9. 10:13Influence of Colmar von der Goltz
  10. 13:49Ottoman Inventory and Competition
  11. 17:15Winning the Contract and Adoption
  12. 19:42Rifle Features and Markings
  13. 21:17Formation of DWM and the Gewehr 1888
  14. 24:42Service History and Variants
  15. 27:20Shooting Impressions and Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key technical specifications of the Ottoman Mauser 1887?

The Ottoman Mauser 1887 is a bolt-action rifle weighing 9.31 lbs with an overall length of 49.3 inches and an 8-round capacity in its fixed tubular magazine. It is chambered in the 9.5x60mmR cartridge.

What historical significance does the Ottoman Mauser 1887 hold?

It represents Peter Paul Mauser's final black powder rifle design and was the first Mauser rifle produced for the Ottoman Empire, marking a significant contract that influenced the company's growth and direction.

Why was the Ottoman Mauser 1887 quickly considered obsolete?

Despite its robust design for its era, the Mauser 1887 was a black powder rifle. The rapid development and adoption of smokeless powder cartridges and rifles, like the Gewehr 1888, rendered it obsolete for front-line military service relatively quickly.

Who were the key figures involved in the development and adoption of the Ottoman Mauser 1887?

Key figures include Peter Paul Mauser, the rifle's designer; Ludwig and Isidor Loewe, who partnered with Mauser for production; and Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who officially approved the rifle's adoption by the Ottoman Empire.

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