[Guest]

Hello, I am seeking any and all information (especially about value, production numbers, where they were used, and where to look for matching numbers) on Nazi Marked French MAB Model D pistols in 7.65 cal. I have recently found one in 60% condition at a gun shop, but I have no clue about this type of pistol, and information is not turning up easily. From what I have seen, they generally sell in the $150 to $350 range, and that there were about 50,000 produced with the WaA251 marking. Also, I have read that they were mostly used in German occupied areas of Western Europe (though there are accounts of them having been used on the Eastern front). The one I am interested in inludes the correct holster, and is going for $200 (it has the WaA251). Like I said, infomation is appreciated. Thanks a ton in advance!!!

 

[Dgiz]

Longbranch,
I am not an expert on these but I can throw in my two cents.
The Germans occupied the MAB factory in June of 1940. There is some question when hardcore production really started. Maybe right away, maybe after the invasion of Russia started in 1941. It is thought that German production started in the 47000 range but I own MAB D 47666 with no German markings. Production ended near the 97000 range.
According to Jan's Axis Pistols, The serial range of 47000-86400 will have the WaA251 and those following will have WaAD20.
Prices will vary according to condition. They are not really rare so wait for a good one. The price on the one you describe is ok with the holster. Many MAB D type pistols were imported into this country, so study up before buying.
Good books are Axis Pistols, Col. Whittington's Vol 2 and Gene Medlin and Jean Huon's Military Handguns of France, which covers the French contracts well.
I hope this helps a little.
Dean

Just for fun, here is French Pre-war contract 47666
Download Attachment: FM.jpg
48.17KB

Here is late occupation 91515


Download Attachment: GM.jpg
40.15KB

 

[Dgiz]

Longbranch,
I am not an expert on these but I can throw in my two cents.
The Germans occupied the MAB factory in June of 1940. There is some question when hardcore production really started. Maybe right away, maybe after the invasion of Russia started in 1941. It is thought that German production started in the 47000 range but I own MAB D 47666 with no German markings. Production ended near the 97000 range.
According to Jan's Axis Pistols, The serial range of 47000-86400 will have the WaA251 and those following will have WaAD20.
Prices will vary according to condition. They are not really rare so wait for a good one. The price on the one you describe is ok with the holster. Many MAB D type pistols were imported into this country, so study up before buying.
Good books are Axis Pistols, Col. Whittington's Vol 2 and Gene Medlin and Jean Huon's Military Handguns of France, which covers the French contracts well.
I hope this helps a little.
Dean

Just for fun, here is French Pre-war contract 47666
Download Attachment: FM.jpg
48.17KB

Here is late occupation 91515


Download Attachment: GM.jpg
40.15KB

 

[Dgiz]

Forgot to add, the German ones will have serial number on the right frame and last two digits on the inside of the slide and on the barrel. The test proof should be visible on the barrel through the ejection port. Dean

 

[Dgiz]

Forgot to add, the German ones will have serial number on the right frame and last two digits on the inside of the slide and on the barrel. The test proof should be visible on the barrel through the ejection port. Dean

 

[Guest]

Thanks Dean,
I appreciate you helpfullness and the information you have supplied. I have decided to buy the pistol, since I was able to talk the shop down quite a bit from the original price, and it does come with the correct, original holster. As a bonus, it also comes with a correct and original extra magazine. It also is in better condition than what I previously stated, it just needs some cleaning up. Overall, I would say it is in 80% condition, and it has all of the proper marks in all of the correct places. Thanks again for the info!!!

Oh, also, it is in the correct serial number range (in the 50,000 area) that Dean quoted.

 

[Guest]

Now that I have taken the pistol apart, I have made some observations that I need help figuring out...

1. There is no number on the barrel. Everything else is matching (and I mean everything, from the slide, to the frame, safety, and every other metal component that makes up the trigger mechanism), and the barrel does have the German proof mark on it. However, the last two digits of the serial # aren't anywhere to be found.

2. I have noticed that the earlier Model D pistols have different grips and possibly different sights than later Mab D's, why is that?

3. What stampings are placed on the holsters? The one I got with the pistol has a WaAD20 stamp. Would this be correct, or were there also WaA251 holsters? How hard hard is it to find these holsters?

4. I'm guessing that a serial # of 533XX would have been made late in 1940, is this correct?

5. Where were these "supposed" to be issued? Were they used post war? THANKS

THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

Danny

 

[Mark]

Danny,

I just found one of these guns at a local show, it is 97%+, I paid $300.00. The barrel is correctly proofed but it has no numbers on it. The slide has the last two digits of the serial number on it. The gun is WaA251 accepted.

When I get a chance, I'll post some photos.

Mark