7/9/20 - This is a nice example of an all original 'Red 9' Mauser C96 with matching stock and original harness. 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 90% of the original blue with wear in all the common areas that rub against the inside of the stock (sides of barrel, side rails, 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, though much of the red paint has worn away. Stock is matching numbered to the gun. It has crisp imperial proof and is in great shape. It does have two very short and minor surface cracks from the hinge/locking stress. It's also missing a screw in the hinge plate but doesn't appear to affect any functionality. Original harness is 1916 dated with maker mark. Bore is shiny with strong rifling.
