MAPF / Unique Model 10 .32 ACP Documented Bringback WWII Semi Auto Pistol – C&R OK
SOLD FOR: $975
Make: Manufacture L’Armes Des Pyrenees, Hendaye (M.A.P.F.)/Unique
Model: 10
Serial Number: 238397
Year of Manufacture: 1928-1939
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “Manufacture L’Armes Des Pyrenees, Hendaye / LE VERITABLE PISTOLET FRANCAIS “UNIQUE” / MARQUE DEPOSEE Cal. 765m/m S.F.M.”. The right side of the frame is marked “238397”.
Barrel Length: 2.6”
Sights / Optics: There is neither front nor rear sight. Instead, there is just a single “U” groove along the top of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black plastic. They are marked “UNIQUE” and with a Lion in circle on each grip. The grips show light handling marks and the checkering shows very light wear without flaws. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is shallow. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The front and rear edges of the slide and frame show surface loss. The slide also shows handling marks, compression marks in the edges of the port and scattered spots of pinprick surface erosion. The frame shows light pitting over most of its surface and with compression marks on the back below the slide. The serrations on the safety are distressed but those on the slide are sharp. The grip screws are sharp but show surface loss. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety also can be used to lock the slide open. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one blued 6-round magazine. The floorplate shows frosting, and the body of the magazine shows light wear and frosting. It is in Very Good condition. Also included is a vintage brown leather military style flap holster and paperwork identifying this pistol as a WWII bring-back. The holster has a magazine pouch sewn to the outside of the holster and a single 1 ½” wide belt loop on the back that looks like it would except belts with a width up to 2 ¼”. The flap has a steel stud that is secured by a strap sewn to the back surface of the holster and wrapped around the rear edge. The stitching on the holster appears to be all intact. The holster shows handling marks and water stains on the flap. There is also a dark band around the back of the holster along with remnants of glue where tape was once applied. The holster also shows spots of finish loss on the back side near the muzzle and small compression marks on the front side near the muzzle. Overall, the holster is in Very Good condition. The paperwork consists of copies of the separations papers of Capt. F. J. Halcomb showing that he was a medical officer in France and Germany during the end of WWII. These copies are in Excellent condition. Also included is the original bring-back authorization for this pistol, including its serial number. The authorization is badly torn, and a copy was made, and included, to make it more legible. It is in Poor condition.
Our Assessment: Manufacture d’Armes de Pyrenees Francaises (MAPF) was formed in 1923 and was noted for the vast number of brand names and pseudonyms under which its Unique family was sold. The Unique brand was also made by a Spanish gun making firm in Eibar Spain (or at least they made parts for Unique pistols sold by MAPF). This pistol was acquired by a Capt. F.J. Halcomb of the U.S. Army Medical Corp. while he was stationed in France and Germany during WWII and his service records and bring-back authorization for this pistol are included. The pistol is in Very Good condition with light pitting on the frame and scattered pinprick surface erosion on the slide. The bore is definitely shootable and the slide is tight to the frame. This pistol and its period holster should be of interest to the collector of WWII weaponry, especially French weapons.
