John-

I'm sure that you know that the M-34 is just a M-1914 with a more curved handle profile? You seemed to be saying that this (M-34) was the first Mauser .32ACP.

Have you seen, "The Guns of Navarone"? The German officer who captured the British commando team was using either a M-1914 or a M-1934. It's the only time I've seen the gun in a movie, and a very good movie it is. Well worth ordering on DVD. Has an outstanding cast, although I disliked Gregory Peck's politics.

I wrote a fan fiction where the heroine acquired a M-1914 .32 from a shady bar owner in 1920's London and used it to shoot a rapist in the knee. The design is exotic, but I gather that it worked well. And the looks have grown on me. An acquired taste, I guess.

I don't think I'd have bought one in preference to the equivalent Colt. But it probably competed well in Europe.

Did anyone else here notice the one in the movie I mentioned?

Oh: wonderful photo! One of your best!