1/15/20 - This is a terrific and original Mauser C96, also known as a Red 9. It has about 96% of its original bluing, and includes the original matching stock. The pistol is all matching and correct, including the grips. Other than common edge wear, the only notable spot of wear is on the underside of the barrel, and this is exactly where it would obtain wear from sitting in a stock. The stock is numbered to the pistol and imperial proofed. During World War I, the Imperial German Army contracted with Mauser for 150,000 C96 pistols chambered in 9mm Parabellum to offset the slow production of the standard-issue Luger P08 pistol. This variant of the C96 was named the "red 9", after a large number 9 burned and painted in red into the grip panels to warn the pistols' users not to incorrectly load them with 7.63 mm ammunition. Because the army delegated the branding to unit armorers, the added red 9 varies in size, color and quality. This pistol has a very nice bore with minor frosting. The only issue with this one is that the safety is stiff, and requires you letting up a little bit on the hammer to use it.
