Mauser Model 1910 Pistol : Lieutenant Alexander McLean, 33 Batalion, AIF

The Mauser 1910 pistol is a simple blowback operated weapon with stationary barrel. The barrel is held to the frame by a long pin which passes through two underbarrel lugs below the barrel (one at the front and one below the breech). For disassembly the slide of the pistol is locked back and the pin is unlocked and rotated sideways. The pin is then pulled out to the front so the barrel can be pulled up from the frame. The slide of this pistol has a characteristic open-top appearance, with a separate ejection port on the right side. Trigger is of single action type and is striker fired. The pistol is fitted with a manual safety located in the cut of the left grip panel just behind the trigger. The pistol features an automatic magazine disconnect safety. A slide hold-open device is installed in pistol which can be released only by insertion of a fresh magazine. The magazine release is located at the base of the pistol grip. The pistol has fixed sights. Grip panels are usually made from plastic. The pistol has a blued finish. Markings - MAUSER WAFFEN AG OBERNDORFF; various factory proof marks; matching serial numbers on all parts. Serial number 55277

This Mauser Model 1910 pistol was taken as a souvenir by Alexander (Alec) McLean from a German soldier while serving in France in 1916. Alec enlisted in the 33rd Battalion Australian Imperial Force in 1916. He reached the rank of Lieutenant and was awarded the Military Cross during his war service. His brother, Archibald McLean, was also serving in France at the same time as Alexander McLean and reached the rank of Sergeant Major. Alexander McLean was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal. In the action where the Mauser pistol was captured, Archie and Alex were together when Archie was shot through the chest losing part of his shoulder blade. Alex shot the German who had shot Archie, then carried Archie back to the medical station. Both men survived the First World War.