1/11/21 - This is a nice example of a Mauser C96 Broomhandle, chambered in 9mm. It is often referred to as the "Red 9". 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. It is all matching and the gun rates about 80%. There is wear on the high edges and thinning on the barrel and sides of the gun. There is spotty oxidation throughout. Light scratch on the right side of the slide. It comes with nice Red 9 grips that match each other but do not match the gun. They are very close, though, in the 68k serial range. The rifling in the bore is a bit worn and there is pin-pricking throughout. The rig comes with a mismatched period-correct stock and period-correct leather harness.
