This is a beautiful example of an early pre-war transitional large ring 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistol. These pistols were produced in the in early 1900s and this specific model is found in the noted serial number range in which the Mauser factory was changing from the early Cone Hammer pistols to the next production model termed the "Large Ring". This pistol is even more desirable in that it has a Rare British presentation inscription on the left side of the magazine well. During this time these pistols were probably some of the best machined and polished of the 1896 series pistols. The top of the barrel extension is marked with "WAFFENFABRIK/ MAUSER/ OBERNDORF/ A/N" with the left side having a "crown/ U" proof and the right side an early Mauser "antler" firing proof. The underside of the barrel has several small letter proofs. The left side of the frame well has been hand engraved "PRESENTED TO/ DESMOND DEANE/ BY HIS COMRADES/ IN THE/ BANK OF ENGLAND/ ON THE EVENT/ OF HIS GOING TO/ S. AFRICA./ WITH/ IMPERIAL YEOMANRY/ 1900". Formed December 24, 1899, the Imperial Yeomanry was a volunteer cavalry regiment that participated in the Second Boer War. This model has the correct large ring hammer, non-reinforced barrel/chamber area, long extractor, dovetailed firing pin retainer, deep milled frame panels and walnut grips with 22 grooves on each side. It has the early tangent rear sight graduated from 50-500 with a fixed front sight. These are features which are only found on these early prewar pistols. It is complete with the original lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip frame. This exact pistol is pictured on page 59 of the book "The Broomhandle Pistol" by Erickson and Pate.