5/9/19 - This is a very interesting Mauser C96 'Red 9' broomhandle rig that was issued to the Imperial German Army during the Great War, then later re-issued to the German Police after the war. 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 particular gun then features '1920' marking on receiver and police unit marking on frame (S.L.Pol.4964). The pistol is all matching and original with about 93-94% blue remaining, with most of the finish loss on the high edges and underside of barrel, due to being in the stock. The original matching grips are present and in very good condition. The pistol features a Prussian Eagle marking on the front of the magazine well, and comes in an original C96 stock with sharp Imperial Army marking on it. The stock is numbered to a different pistol, but is in decent condition with a few dings and nicks, and two thin cracks. The rig is completed by an original C96 harness, with sharp 1918 dates and maker marks. Pistol bore has strong rifling but some freckling throughout.
