Matching Red 9 C96 Broomhandle Mauser 9x19mm 5.5” Pistol & Stock, C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,425.00
LSB#: LSB251101KD011
Make: Mauser
Model: Model C-96 Red 9
Serial Number: 33292
Year of Manufacture: 1916-1918 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top flat of the barrel extension is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF AN” with “33292” on the side. The left side of the trigger housing is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A. NEKAR”. All parts are matched. There are small German proofs throughout. The stock is serial matched to the frame.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “V” notch rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is an inverted “V” notch integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ribbed wood panels. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks but there are a few small chips. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition. The stock/holster has scratches and pressure dents throughout along with several cracks and small chips throughout. Overall the stock is in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, In the White
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, wear marks, along with small rust spots and light patina. The frame has some sizable dents, especially at the Mauser rollmark. The screw head is tooled. The markings are mostly clear with some faded spots. Overall, this pistol is in about Fair + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original serial matching wood stock/holster.
Our Assessment: This Mauser Model C96 Red 9 is a documented First World War military pistol produced between 1916 and 1918, representing Germany’s wartime adaptation of the iconic Broomhandle design to the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. The Red 9 program was undertaken to standardize pistol ammunition with the Luger P08, and the large red numeral applied to the grip panels served as an immediate visual identifier to prevent dangerous ammunition confusion in the field. Issued primarily to artillery crews and support troops, the Red 9 stands as one of the earliest mass-issued 9mm semi-automatic pistols and remains one of the most historically important variants of the C96 platform. The internal magazine, stripper-clip loading system, and long tangent rear sight reflect Mauser’s early emphasis on range capability and battlefield versatility. This example is particularly noteworthy for retaining matching numbers throughout, including the original serial-matched wood stock and holster, a key factor in collector desirability and historical integrity. Approximately 90 percent of the original finish remains, with honest service wear visible in the form of scratches, nicks, light patina, and small areas of surface rust. The bore is bright with pronounced rifling and light erosion, rating 7 out of 10, and shows evidence of polishing, indicating period or post-service efforts to maintain functionality. The ribbed wood grip panels show pressure dents and small chips but remain intact, while the stock exhibits heavier wear with cracks and chips consistent with prolonged military use rather than later civilian handling.
From both a legal and historical standpoint, this offering occupies a highly desirable niche. As a Curio and Relic firearm with its original serial-matched stock, it is federally lawful to attach the stock to the pistol under current ATF regulations, a distinction that does not apply to mismatched or reproduction stocks. While the overall condition rates Fair Plus, the originality, matching components, and clear wartime markings firmly establish this Red 9 as an authentic Imperial German service artifact rather than a restored or assembled example. Matching Red 9 pistols with original stocks continue to become increasingly scarce, and this example stands as a tangible survivor of early 20th century military pistol development. -R.E.
