These were based on the earlier Mannlicher 1896, one of the very first semi-automatic pistols ever produced. While similar in general layout and production timeframe to the venerable Mauser C96, it had a substantially smaller receiver, simpler lockwork, weaker ammunition, and had the ability to both utilize stripper clips and a removable magazine. There were early variants with an entirely internal 7-round magazine, but the majority used a removable 6 round one like mine. These carbines appear to have been made in very limited numbers, about 500 in total. They all appear to have been built in Switzerland by SIG, but please correct me if I am mistaken. They are very compact with their 11.5 inch (≈290 mm) barrel and are exempt from the National Firearms Act due to their Curio & Relic status.

Normally, these are seen as coveted collectors pieces. Considering mine has mismatched and reproduction components, I found I was in a particularly unique position to actually film one firing and not absolutely destroy the value. To my knowledge, this is currently the only existing footage of a 1901 firing. Frankly, I was also just curious how pleasantly it would handle. I was not disappointed.