SOLD - Mauser C96 Rig - Red 9 (21653 - 32033)

Description

6/25/24 - This is a Mauser C96 Broomhandle "Red 9" pistol issued to the Imperial German Army during WWI. 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 particular example is all matching and has an Imperial military proof on the right side of the slide. There are a couple of British "Crown BNP" markings. It comes as a rig with a period-correct wood stock, leather harness, and a few stripper clips. The stock is not matching to the gun. The left side of the stock is marked "1920" and there are a couple of numbers stamped onto the neck. The stock also has a few noticeable cracks. 1918-dated leather harness. The gun's itself has retained somewhere between 85-90% of its original finish. There is general high edge wear and thinning along the barrel. Excellent, matching-numbered grips. Very nice bore.