This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
Full or partial serial number observed on offset flat about chamber, underside of rear sight, bolt stop, bolt, sear arm, sear, hammer, subframe, locking block, magazine follower, magazine baseplate, frame, both grip scales, and stock iron. Other markings and features include the VL&D marking on left side of the slabside frame, "WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N" on top flat over chamber, offset Ulm antler proof. Rear sight retained by pin and marked in increments of 1-10 with sliding elevator, standard barleycorn front sight on base. Large ring hammer, early style safety, early long extractor, firing pin with single lug, second model trigger. Importantly, the right side is inscribed "General J. H. Wilson / U.S.A.". James Wilson was an important figure during the American Civil War, Spanish-American War, and the Boxer Rebellion. He attended West Point, graduating 6th in the 1860 class of 41. During the Civil War, Wilson was the topographical engineer for the Port Royal Expeditionary Force, Army of the Ptomac, Army of the Tennessee, and was the aide-de-camp to McClellan. He was present at Antietam, South Mountain, Battle of Fort Pulaski, and Chattanooga in various capacities. In 1863 he was made Brigadier General, and in 1864 he transferred from Engineers to Cavalry. He was originally Chief of the Cavalry Bureau, but was promoted to Brevet Major General in 1864, and commanded a division under Sheridan during the Overland Campaign and the Valley Campaigns of 1864. In 1864, Wilson crossed paths with Robert E. Lee, trying to choke him out of Petersburg by interrupting his supply lines. While the raid was successful, evading Rooney Lee who pursued them during the raid, during their retreat they were stopped at the Staunton by a Confederate fort, who bought Rooney enough time to arrive and route Wilson. Later in 1864, he trained Sherman's cavalry for the March to the Sea, but attached to the Army of the Cumberland for the Franklin-Nashville Campaign; it was during this time that he earned the distinction of being one of the only Union generals to successfully beat Nathan Bedford Forrest, forcing him to retreat from a flanking attack at the Battle of Franklin. He led Wilson's Raid through Alabama and Georgia, where he once again got the better of Forrest, and on Easter Day 1865, they captured Columbus, Georgia, amongst other cities. He received a full promotion to Major General in May, 1865, and his cavalrymen were the ones to capture Jefferson Davis that same month. After the war, he returned to civilian life as a railroad engineer and executive, but returned as a Major General in the Spanish American War, Brigadier General during the Boxer Rebellion, and represented Roosevelt at Edward VII's coronation. Housed in a black leather wrapped case with chamois lining, French fitted for gun while inserted in stock, a spare parts compartment with stripper clips, wiping rod, and seven wallets with button closures, six larger then one small. CONDITION: Very good, and retains virtually all of the factory bluing with scattered handling marks throughout, including some superficial scratching. A few small areas of silvering, most notable on barrel, with appropriate distension around proofs from application. In-the-white parts have some age related patina. Grips are very good with some typical handling marks. Mechanically fine, bore is very good with strong rifling and frosting throughout. Stock attaches firmly. Case and accessories are very good, with some age related distres throughout, and some scrapes through the black leather to base. This is an extremely attractive C96 with ties to an important U.S. General.
Item Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 4"