GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
MAGNIFICENT AND HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT MAUSER C96 SIX SHOT, FULLY ENGRAVED, WITH CARVED BOLO STOCK.MAUSERC96438459MMMODERNCal. 9mm Export. Mauser made relatively few six shot pistols, especially in 9mm Export. Any presentation gun is a rare find and to encounter one in nearly new condition may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. The pistol has standard mechanical features for a six shot of this vintage in having a 4" bbl with a fixed front sight and a grooved rear sight marked from 100-1000, with the groove continuing into the retaining lug. Usual chamber address with full serial number on the left chamber flat. Crown/Crown/U proof on the left side of the bbl extension and an antler proof on the right side. The two line Mauser address is in the usual location on the right side of the frame. The serial number dates the pistol to manufacture in 1903/4, but is very much lower than other 9 mm Export calibre C96 pistols, which commence in the 8x,xxx range (ca. 1907), indicating this to be probably a prototype of this calibre pistol. Bolt has a long extractor, the special 9 mm Export magazine follower with cutout scoop to aid feeding the last cartridge and a two lug firing pin. The pistol has been lavishly engraved with an unusual "ears-of-wheat" motif, including the hammer. Under the trigger guard is the crowned Gryphon with sword & Shield coat of arms of Frederick, when heir to the Dutchy of Baden-Wurttemburg. Tasteful gold inlay highlights the barrel, extension and frame. The serial number on the left chamber flat and back of the frame is gold inlaid as is the Mauser address on the right side of the frame. Elaborate and often multiline gold inlaid highlighting borders most of the panels with Greek Key patterning around the muzzle. The faux-ivory grips are finely checkered in the same pattern used on special order pistols. Please note: The gun was originally complete with the original ivory grips, however because of the recent Executive Order and subsequent new law pertaining to ivory, the original grips cannot be sold and had to be removed. These identical replicas were made as replacements. Accompanied by a lavishly carved Mauser factory carved Bolo length stock whose hinge and lug have been engraved in a complementary pattern and bordered with the same kind of gold highlighting. According to the consignor, the gun was presented to Frederick as Heir to Dutchy of Baden-Wurttemburg ca. 1903/4, when he was also General der Infanterie and à la suite (in the entourage of) the Royal Prussian Regiment Erstes Garde-Regiment zu Fuß, which was also the Regiment of Prince Eitel-Friedrich, Kaiser Wilhelm's second son, to influence the then ongoing GPK pistol trials in favor of Mauser. Illustrated in the book, The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols figure 2-18. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. CONDITION: At one time, the gun and stock were obviously dropped. The backstrap, the forward stock attachment, and butt of stock show superb old restoration. Safety toggle has replaced nitre blue. This restoration is of exemplary quality and is almost undetectable. 99% of bright blue with negligible sharp edge wear. Comparable condition fire blue of small parts. Bright bore with sharp rifling and minimal erosion. Deeply carved Bolo stock in a pattern similar to the factory stocks pictured in the book System Mauser. An extraordinary gun whose history and aesthetic appeal should transcend the realm of firearm collectors. 43475-48 LMA89 (20,000-40,000)