Mauser Model 1896 7.63 mm self-loading pistol, 1900

Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf a Neckar.

This gun was carried by Lieutenant-Colonel Eldred Thomas Pottinger (1840-1905) during the Boer War (1899-1902). Previously he had served in the Indian Army from 1857 until 1870, resigning the year after his marriage and returning to Ireland where, in July 1873, he became a captain in the Antrim Militia (Queen's Royal Rifles). In October 1890 he became Lieutenant-Colonel commandant of the Antrim Artillery, and before leaving to serve in South Africa with volunteers from the regiment was presented with this pistol, purchased from Mauser's Irish agents, J Bradell and Son of Belfast, 'by some members of the Royal Portrush Golf Club'.

Pottinger served in South Africa from 1899 to 1900, commanding the Irish Brigade Militia Artillery, and later acting as Commandant of the Orange River and Hope Town District. For his service during the war he received the Queen's South Africa Medal and clasp Cape Colony, and was created a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in November 1900.

Mauser pistols were very fashionable among officers going to South Africa, even though they were not in the Government approved calibre of .455 inch. This disadvantage was more than compensated for by the fact that, as the first viable self-loading pistols, they were regarded as being at the forefront of technology. With a magazine holding 10 cartridges and a wooden holster that converted into a carbine stock, they were considered to have more firepower and longer range than conventional revolvers.