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Title:	PISTOL, SEMI-AUTOMATIC -  FRENCH PISTOL MAB MODEL D (P.MAB) 7.65MM SN# 56701
Maker/Manufacturer:	BROWNING, JOHN M.
Date of Manufacture:	1940-1943
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 993
Measurements:	OL: 17.1CM 6 3/4" BL: 10.1CM 4" 25 oz.

Object Description:

FRENCH PISTOL MAB MODEL D (P.MAB) 7.65MM SN# 56701
Manufactured by Manufacture D'Armes Automatiques Bayonne, Bayonne, France - Standard Model D semi-automatic pistol. Patterned after M1910 Browning with a 4" barrel. Straight blowback-operated. Concealed internal hammer and a recoil spring mount on a guide located below the barrel, which is fixed to the frame. Blued finish with plastic grips. Fixed sights. Manual and magazine grip safety. Pistol has grip safety as well as manually operated thumb safety. 9-round detachable box magazine feed mechanism. Weapon weighs approximately 25 oz. Lanyard ring in butt. Weapon has German military proofs.

Markings:
Frame (right side): 56701. WaA251. MAB.
Slide (left side): PISTOLET AUTOMATIQUE CAL. 7.65/MAB BREVETTE MODELE D.
Barrel: MAB Nazi Acceptance Stamp/CAL. 7.65 PT.
Grips: MAB monogram in square.

Exhibit label: "PISTOLE MAB MODELE D, 7.65 millimeter, French - An interesting feature of this pistol are the Nazi proofmarks, indicating the pistol was manufactured under German supervision."

Notes: Manufacture D'Armes Automatiques Bayonne, of Bayonne, France, produced a wide range of pistols since their inception in 1921. When the Germans rolled through France in 1940, the plant came under German supervision and virtually all output was destined for the Reich's military and police use.

"MAB Model D. Basically a lengthened Model C, with the same general layout but a four-inch barrel, this was introduced in 7.65mm calibre in 1933. Joined by a 9mm Short version, it remained in production until the company closed." - Ian Hogg & John Weeks

References:
Balderson, Robert H. COLLECTOR HANDGUNS. 5th Ed. House of Collectibles. N.Y., N.Y. 1996.
Hogg, Ian & John Weeks. PISTOLS OF THE WORLD. 3rd Ed. DBI Books, Inc. Northbrook, Il. 1992.
Schwing, Ned. 2000 STANDARD CATALOG OF FIREARMS. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 2000.