SOLD - Excellent Mauser C96 Broomhandle Rig - Red 9 (88359 - 20044)

Description

4/22/22 - This is a complete, 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 gun retains around 95% of its original blue, with a terrific profile and nearly all the wear on the underside of the barrel and front of the magazine housing due to rubbing against the inside of the stock. Grips and bore are in excellent condition. All the numbers match, including the grips. This is a complete rig with a scarce, original leather harness. The harness is 1916 dated, likely the same year this pistol was manufactured. It's in excellent condition and maker marked A.P.H. Hoffmann on the back. A stock and cleaning rod are included, but the stock is likely after-market. While it does seem quite aged, it is not marked or serialized so presumably not original to this pistol at the very least. Harness also includes a cleaning rod.