Mauser Guns Collectors Forum
Pistols => Model HSC Pistol => Topic started by: Kingfish62 on November 11, 2015, 10:12:17 AM
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Hello all, I'm new to the board and am looking for additional information on an Hsc that I recently picked up. I have attached pictures that show markings, serial number, condition, etc. From what I see so far it looks like production in 1941, civilian, I'm told it was probably special ordered as to the finish? Any additional information would be appreciated. Additionally wondering if Mauser records are available anywhere to see who may have been original owner? Gun came with original holster and two magazines that are stamped with Mauser logo on bottom. Gun is in perfect working condition.
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correction on production year, looks like 1942
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Just another picture
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Welcome, Kingfish62! Your HSc was actually produced in February of 1942. The nickel finish was probably added by the GI who brought it back to the U.S. as was common practice then. The Mauser factory did not offer this type of finish until the 1970's.
Factory records do not exist since most were destroyed after WWII so only in extraordinary cases does any record of original ownership exist and that usually comes from the family. The Grips may or may not be original ... I can only tell by seeing the back of the Left Grip Panel. If you post a good picture of that I'll let you know.
Hope that helps.
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Thank you for the reply, what would I look for on the grip panel?
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Is it wood or plastic? If plastic, what is printed on it? Is the bottom of the Disconnector slot round or square?
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grips are wood
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And what about the bottom of the Disconnector slot?
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Hi there i looked at the magazine the OP has and i have never seen the Mauser Barrel logo on a late war magazine. It is stamtped 90 degrees from the way it should be. In the wrong place too. Someone modifird the base plate of that magazine.
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DonP: This is an Early Wartime HSc and the Magazine Floorplate is marked correctly for that era.
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attaching pics of the grips
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more of grips
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gun body
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other side
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From what I can see, everything appears to be normal. Unfortunately, the nickel refinishing has destroyed the collector value, even on the Magazines. As it stands, it is a "shooter" worth the sum of its parts, perhaps $300 to $350. The Grips are the most valuable part with a market value of around $150. If you are going to shoot it, you might consider getting a pair of cheap after-market Grips to use and protect the originals.
A shame really but it is what it is. Hope all that information helps. Anything else, let me know.
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Thanks for all the great info. It is a really nice piece. I probably will not shoot it. Most likely gift it to a friend that collects old things and let him enjoy it! You are fairly sure there were no special order guns from the period that were done in nickel for Naval Personnel? Maybe sent out for the process? I was 25 years Navy and I would have wanted mine this way.
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I would also be curious why a later gun with import stamps "Interarms" would have more value? I see a post here where you value one at $450. Would seem regardless of nickel finish an older war era weapon bring back would over value a much newer gun? Just curious why the market would be otherwise?
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The market does value the older WWII era HSCs over the ones made in the late 60s early 70s but not regardless of one being refinished. Collectors want ones in original condition. Some non factory use markings increase value, like German Naval markings and others hurt value, like a GI replacing the grips with aircraft plexiglass or carving their initials into the grips or having one chrome plated. Collectors also value condition and prefer examples that were well taken care of loss of original finish is a major factor in consideration of value. So even if yours was refinished with the original type blue finish it is no longer the original and a knowing eye can tell.
Regards,
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Legacy Collectables has several Mauser HSc's that are war time maufacture for $800 plus. These are 97% or better guns.