SOLD - Gorgeous Mauser C96 Broomhandle Rig - Red 9

6/4/18 - 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 96-97% of its original blue, with most of the wear found under the barrel from being inserted in the wood shoulder stock. There is no pitting anywhere and the blue is deep and even without any browning or patination. There are a couple of small nicks midway on the left side of the barrel. Grips and bore are in excellent condition. All the numbers match, including the grips and all the internals. Vivid fire blue is present on the rear sight cursor, bolt stop and on the trigger and safety lever. This is a complete rig with its original minty matching shoulder stock with no defects or cracks and an imperial proofmark stamped in the wood below the hinge. An imperial acceptance mark is also present on the right side of the barrel extension. Beautiful original leather harness, maker marked and dated 1918, competes this incredible set.