SOLD - Mauser C96 Broomhandle Rig - Red 9 (93908 - 20586)

Description

6/8/22 - This is an all matching example of a Mauser "Red 9" Broomhandle pistol made during WWI as part of the Imperial German Army contract. Unlike its commercial counterparts, "red 9" Broomhandles were chambered in more common 9mm Para caliber, which was used by the German Army and were marked with a large 9 on the grips which was then filled with red or orange paint to help German soldiers differentiate its caliber from the standard .30 Mauser cartridge. Only about 130,000 of these very collectible guns were made, with only about 100,000 being accepted by the army and issued to the troops. Considered to be a substitute for a light carbine, they became very popular in trench warfare and were used by some of the Germany's elite crack troops. This one is all matching and has the proper Imperial proof on the front edge of the frame. It comes as a rig with a fairly worn but period-correct leather holster. The gun itself has retained roughly 75% of its original finish. Generally, there is wear around the high edges, but the most noticeable wear is along the barrel and on the left side of the frame. Tiny dots of oxidation throughout and areas of minor pitting on the barrel and left side of the frame. It comes with original matching-numbered Red 9 grips. The red paint is almost entirely worn away, and the bottom portion of the 9's has been removed. The bore has decent rifling with pin-pricking throughout. Rear sight was presumably replaced as it's a 1000m site, not the correct 500m site.