This is a solid representative example of a very rare early Mauser Model 1896 Broomhandle contract pistol purchased for the "Royal Bavarian Army" tests in late 1901/1902. These were authorized by the German War Ministry in November 1901 for the Bavarian Army acceptance testing, as conducted in 1902. This Mauser contract pistol is probably one of the rarest of the early Broomhandle Mauser pistols produced as there are only a handful known to exist today, as they saw very heavy use during testing, and most were refurbished or upgraded at some time in their existence. This pistol is documented and pictured in "System Mauser" by John Breathed Jr. on pages 68-69. This was a very significant time throughout the world as many countries were desperately trying to upgrade their armies with the latest technology by transitioning from single shot and bolt action rifles to semi-automatic rifles and pistols. Obviously, during this time there were numerous U.S. and European companies trying to secure any military contracts, with various new weapons, to include Colt, Webley, Mannlicher, Borchardt (Lugers), Bergmann, Steyr and the Mauser factory, who produced this specific pistol. These test pistols are easily identified by the following characteristics: 1) The Royal Bavarian Army contract pistols were all serial numbered in their own specific serial number block that ran from serial number 170-420 with this specific pistol (SN 399) being produced near the end of the production run. 2) It has the small Imperial Eagle acceptance proof located on the rear underside section of the barrel. 3) It has the small German Army acceptance proof (Script D proof) on the right side of the barrel extension. 4) The rear back strap was not cut for a shoulder stock. This rare pistol also has all the various standard early features such as the scarce flat side frame, large ring hammer, long extractor, early style safety, single lug firing pin, and the short unreinforced chamber area. The top of the chamber area is marked " WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORK A/N" with the early three digit serial number (399) stamped on the left side of the barrel extension. It is fitted with a standard front sight and the early style tangent sight that is graduated from 50-500 meters. It is fitted with a set of walnut grips with 23 grooves on each side.
Very fine with 60% of the faded blue finish still remaining overall with even wear overall on all the metal surfaces from actual military use in testing. The grips are in very good condition showing heavy handling marks and light pressure dents and dings overall, also obviously from the actual military tests. Mechanically excellent. This is a true survivor of the early Royal Bavarian Army pistol tests.
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