GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND SUPER DESIRABLE MAUSER C-96 "SYSTEM MAUSER" STEP-BARREL WITH STOCK, PRESENTATION CASE. MAUSER C96 172 7.63 MAUSER Cal. 7.63 mm. Extraordinary step-barrel C96 conehammer with 5.5" bbl, fixed front sight and pinned 1-10 rear sight. Hand inscribed "SYSTEM MAUSER" on top chamber flat with large Crown/Crown/U proof on left side of chamber. Long extractor and separately secured firing pin. One of fewer than 200 assembled. Early features include solid rails, non-reinforced bbl extension and open island panels at rear of frame. Large hand inscribed "172" on backstrap below locking lever. Matching SN on sight bar, cursor and firing pin retainer. Disassembly shows all matching SN including the firing pin, follower, floorplate, all numbered components of sub-frame and locking block. Serrated wood grips each matched to the pistol. Original Lanyard ring. Complete with forced match Conehammer shoulder stock in which the matching number has been stamped on the upper portion of the hinge and lid under the spring retainer. Unnumbered stock lug with standard dimensions and no penciled numbers in lug recess. Presented in an impressive but recently constructed black leather bound case measuring 16.5" x 12.5" x 3". Mounted on lid is unmarked oval plaque measuring 3" x 1.5". Lid is tastefully lined with maroon silk. Base lined in matching velvet and compartmentalized for high quality reproduction putzstock and 6 black leather reproduction ammunition cases. Including is key for the case latch. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection - Germany. CONDITION: Pistol with approximately 70-80% original rust blue with wear in expected areas of handling, particularly on the sharp edges, front of mag well and grip straps that have largely toned to a gray. Comparable condition fire blued small parts that show no suggestion of enhancement. Orig grips with re-cut serrations and borders. Dull bore with barely discernible rifling and shallow bulge near muzzle. Perfect manual mechanics. Near excellent Conehammer stock and hinge with faded unnumbered lug. Case extremely well aged with excellent interior having only minimal staining. Near new putzstock and reproduction ammo cases. An incredibly rare and orig C96, one of fewer than 200 made with a step-barrel, a fantastic find for any Mauser C96 collector, with accessories that should enhance its appeal. 49828-11 LMA (25,000-45,000)