Mauser Model 1914 32acp

I should NEVER go to "that" pawnshop with my wallet! They had a decent-looking Mauser 1914 and I foolishly asked them how much they would take for it. I ended up paying $300 OTD (tax and all). It is in nice shape. The serial number indicates that it's from around 1916.

I don't know very much about them. From looking at GB completed sales it seems that I got a good but not fantastic deal. I know for sure that it works (because I shot a round out back after I got it home). There will be a range report to follow in a week or two.

Does anyone know more about these and have advice or opinions?

It has some markings that look like proof or acceptance stamps of some kind. I will add a picture of those in a few minutes. The holster came with it.

Here are the markings on the back of the slide near the rear sight:

Thank you Jim. I am hesitant to dry fire any older gun, but I will definitely put this one on the "never dry fire" list.. I hope it might hold up to an occasional few magazines every six months or so. I really don't keep any safe queens. Given the date I am guessing this one was pressed into service for WW1. The normal holster had a pouch for a spare magazine, so maybe this one was for the police or something. It has no import marks, so it has probably been in this country for a while.

As always, I appreciate the kind responses.

I believe that the "U" marking behind the rear sight might be a commercial proof mark, and the crown in front of the rear sight might be a government acceptance mark.

I should look around for some new springs. I'm guessing that a spare magazine would be difficult to find and prohibitively expensive.

I can't remember 100% how I found the serial number ranges. I googled Mauser Model 1914 and it was in one of the first few articles that popped up.

I shot a box or so of commercial ammo through it with no real problems. It had a few malfunctions which I believe are due to slightly damaged magazine feed lips. I replaced the springs. Field stripping it is mildly annoying. I plan on taking it to the range on Tuesday so my friend and our daughters can try it out. Ironically, it was manufactured in the same year that my Colt 1903 was.

I shot a box or so of commercial ammo through it with no real problems. It had a few malfunctions which I believe are due to slightly damaged magazine feed lips. I replaced the springs. Field stripping it is mildly annoying. I plan on taking it to the range on Tuesday so my friend and our daughters can try it out. Coincidentally, it was manufactured in the same year that my Colt 1903 was.