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*× MAGNIFICENT AND HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT MAUSER C96 SIX SHOT, FULLY ENGRAVED, WITH CARVED BOLO ST

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:17,500.00 USD Estimated At:35,000.00 - 70,000.00 USD
*× MAGNIFICENT AND HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT MAUSER C96 SIX SHOT, FULLY ENGRAVED, WITH CARVED BOLO ST
SN 43845. Cal. 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 ivory grips are finely checkered in the same pattern used on special order pistols. Accompanied by a lavishly 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 to influence the then ongoing GPK pistol trials in favor of Mauser. Illustrated in his book, The Borchardt and Luger Automatic Pistols figure 2-18. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection. CONDITION: 99% of bright blue with negligible sharp edge wear. Comparable condition fire blue of small parts. Ivory grips show age related cracks in each panel but no wear related chips or losses. Bright bore with sharp rifling and minimal erosion. Deeply carved Bolo stock in a pattern similar to the stocks pictured in the book System Mauser. Hinge and lug are in the same exemplary condition as the pistol. An extraordinary gun whose history and aesthetic appeal should transcend the realm of firearm collectors. 4-52083 LMA89