6/2/20 - This is a nice example of an all original 'Red 9' Mauser C96 with matching stock. Unlike its commercial counterparts, "Red 9" Broomhandles were chambered in the 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. The gun has about 80-85% of the original blue with most of the wear on the barrel, likely from rubbing against the inside of the stock. There is also some oxidation on both sides of the frame. Prussian eagle on front of magazine, and stock has Imperial proof on it, too. Small parts on the pistol show nice fire blue still. The grips are matching numbered to the pistol, with the large red 9 externally. Stock is matching numbered to the gun without major defect. Excellent bore. Note: there are what appears to be British export proofs on the underside of the barrel.
