Pistolet automatique MAB 6,35mm

[cluttonfred]

My family and I are visiting the in-laws in France and my father-in-law, a cantankerous old farmer, pulled out a little box saying "You might like to see this...a friend gave it to me."

Inside was a "Pistolet automatique MAB 6,35mm" in fired but very good condition in the original box hinged box (though the top has torn off from the bottom). There were also the original brochures (can't really call them manuals), a little brass cleaning brush and a few rounds of ball 6.35 mm (.25 ACP) ammo.

Digging through the internet, I think I have identified this as a MAB Model A (serial no. 64XXX) made in the immediate post-war period but before the change to cheaper manufacturing techniques. It's a wonderfully simple little gun. I fired one round through it and it ejected fine. That log on the woodpile won't be giving me any more lip.

Can anyone tell me any more about this little pistol and how collectible it might be?

Thanks and regards,

Matthew

 

[HisSoldier]

Nice, I wonder how many .25's a guy would have if he collected one of every maker, and then consider how much disgust there is today for the .25! I wish I had a MAB in my collection.

 

[Trebor]

Nice gun. No clue on the value, except that having the box and papers helps.

 

[rcmodel]

Yours is a Model A as far as I can tell from the pictures.
They were banned from import into the U.S. by the 1968 GCA becuse they were too small.

They were first made in 1921, and production continued until fairly recently. I believe MAB shut down in the mid 1980's.

In new condition with the box & papers, I think it would bring several hundred dollars here if it were legal to bring it into the U.S.
But it isn't.

Here is a beater on Gunbroker getting ready to sell in three days.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=136927872

rc

 

[cluttonfred]

Thanks, I had no idea there was a minimum size requirement for imported guns. I wonder if C&R status would change the legal equation at all? I used to have a C&R licence and I've been thinking of getting one again.

 

[Trebor]

I don't believe C&R status would help make it importable. If it's too small or otherwise doesn't meet import criteria, the fact that it's C&R doesn't help.

You'd have to check with the ATF to find out for sure.

Be aware that the cost of the licensing, etc, to import the pistol is very likely going to be more then the value of the gun.