9/21/21 - This is a very nice example of an original "Red 9" Mauser C96 Broomhandle rig with Prussian Eagle marking on front of mag well. 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. This is a fairly early example, likely made in 1916. All matching and original with most of the bluing loss on the side rails, which is common as they rub against the inside of the stock. The grips are numbered internally and matching to the pistol. Minty bore.
