Book Review: Ott-Helmuth von Lossnitzer, Technical Director of The Mauser Company

by
posted on January 28, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
helmuth.jpg

Ott-Helmuth von Lossnitzer led a fascinating life. One of Germany’s leading arms industrialists during the Third Reich, von Lossnitzer served as technical director of the Mauser Works in Oberndorf for a dozen years before immigrating to America and continuing his gun-designing career with the U.S. Ordnance Corps. By the time he retired from the industry in 1968, von Lossnitzer had become a foremost authority on aircraft weapons, having specialized in that field for both Mauser and the Springfield Armory.

Edited by Leslie E. Field and Bas J. Martens, this autobiography came to be when Field convinced von Lossnitzer to publish his life story. However, due to severe eye issues, von Lossnitzer was no longer able to type or write easily, so an arrangement was made with the local high school to have him dictate his memoir to the students of an advanced typing class for the purpose of producing a manuscript. 

The end result of their work is an absorbing look behind the scenes at Mauser in the years leading up to and during World War II. While his contributions after leaving Germany are equally intriguing—including work on the M61 Vulcan rotary cannon and the AH-56 Cheyenne helicopter—the scope of this book focuses mainly on his tenure at Mauser. A collection of first-hand accounts of historical events, Mauser production details, technical specs and humorous anecdotes from the life of von Lossnitzer, this book would be of great appeal to anyone with a particular interest in the history of Mauser or 20th century aircraft firearm designs. Price: $50. Contact Mowbray Publishing; (800) 999-4697; gunandswordcollector.com.

Latest

Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1
Ortgies Pistol Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: The Ortgies Pistol

One of the lesser-known, German-made handguns from the early 20th century, the Ortgies pistol has a fascinating history stretching from the end of World War I all the way to the conclusion of World War II.

New For 2025: Taurus GX4 Strike Bravo

In a collaboration with Strike Industries, Taurus USA has launched its GX4 Strike Bravo, which combines elements of its popular micro-compact handgun with a chassis-frame design capable of accepting a stabilizing brace.

PenFed Touts Successful Three Quarters In 2025

In a quarterly update to members, PenFed Credit Union CEO James Schenck highlighted the company's strong financial position while also sharing some of his financial insights.

2026 NRA Youth Education Summit Applications Open

Applications are now open for the 2026 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.), an all-expenses-paid, six-day leadership and scholarship program for rising high school juniors and seniors.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt-Burgess Rifle

There was a time when firearm manufacturers were primarily known for producing only one specific type of gun. In fact, their fame, reputations and, often, their fortunes hinged upon it.

The Rifleman Report: The Misrepresented Armed Citizen

Despite what mainstream news outlets would have us believe, most armed citizens are thoughtful, deliberate, responsible Americans whose foremost concerns are the well-being of themselves and their families.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.