Correct WWI Broomhandle Mauser C96 Red Nine 9mm PistolOur Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm, and the "Red Nine" variants are the most distinctive of any pistol made. During WWI Mauser had two military contracts, the first for 7.63mm pistols and the second for 9mm pistols. Two identical guns with dissimilar ammo was not a good idea and in 1917, a decision was made to burn a large "9" into the grips of 9mm pistols, with those already issued to be similarly marked in the field, thus creating three variants of the 9mm pistols: those with no marks on the grips, with factory "nines" and with "nines" added in the field. This pistol is a 9mm Military Contract with factory "nines" in the grips. The numbers are all matching, including those stamped into the grips. There were about 141,000 of this model made and one can only guess as to what number survived the trench warfare of WWI. This a Rare pistol that is sure to be of interest to the serious collectors.
Make: Mauser
Model: C96 Broomhandle, "Red Nine"
Serial Number: 92505
Year of Manufacture: 1917-1918
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Short-Recoil Semi-Automatic Internal Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch tangent sight graduated from 50 to 500 meters and mounted to the top-rear of the barrel assembly.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are serrated walnut with large red "9" burned into each panel. The grips have scattered wear with some nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning all edges. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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