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.

Excellent overall with 95%+ of the original blue finish with wear on the front edges of frame rails and magazine well, the floor plate, the edges of the muzzle, with more wear on the back strap from a shoulder stock and the general edges and high spots overall. There is some general browning of the front grip strap with minor pitting there also and under the grips. There are several small areas of pinprick pitting, in several locations probably caused from actual service use, such as the top of the barrel behind the front sight, the left side of the rear sight slide, the lower left rear corner of the barrel extension and a very small area above both grips. The grips are in very fine condition showing a nice even color with light handling marks and honest wear on the edges and grooves. The inscription is clear and distinct and is completely correct. A super example of an original British Presentation 1896 Mauser pistol.