6/18/20 - 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 85% of the original blue with most of the wear on the barrel and rear of frame, likely from rubbing against the inside of the stock. There is also some thinning on the rails and front of mag well. 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. The lid does have a repaired crack. Strong bore but there is minor frost.
