This is an outstanding example of a model 1896 "Royal Bavarian Army" contract Mauser pistols that was produced in 1901. This Mauser contract pistol is probably one of the rarest of the early Broomhandle Mauser pistols produced with only 200 total being manufactured, with only a handful known today, as these test pistols all received very heavy use during testing, and most were refurbished or upgraded at some time in their existence (this example escaped the aforementioned fate). This one as noted remains in 100% original condition. These pistols were authorized in November 1901 specifically for the Bavarian Army acceptance testing that was conducted in 1902. 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 weapons to bolt action rifles as well as semi-automatic rifles and semi-automatic pistols. Obviously, during this time there were numerous companies world wide trying to secure any and all military contracts, with new and improved weapons. To include Colt, Webley, Mannlicher, Borschardt (Lugers) Bergmann, Steyr and the Mauser factory, who produced this specific pistol. These test pistols are easily identified by two things; 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, (total production 200) with this specific pistol (SN 180) being produced fairly early in the production run and 2) It has the small Imperial Eagle acceptance proof located on the rear underside section of the barrel. In addition to these two features this specific model of Mauser pistol also has all the 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. As noted this example is all original and unaltered and in magnificent condition with the rust blued metal finish, and heat blue small parts, with walnut grips with 23 grooves on each side. The chamber area is marked "WAFFENFABRIK, / MAUSER, / OBERNDORK A/N" with the early three digit serial number (180) stamped on the left side of the barrel extension with the small Army "Script D" proof on the right side of the barrel extension. It is fitted with the standard front sight and the early style tangent sight that is graduated from 50-500 meters. The underside of the barrel also has three "gothic" or script letters.

Excellent with 95% plus of the original blue finish remaining, with some minor edge and high spot wear overall such as on the front frame rails, the left side of the muzzle and the lower area around the edge of the floor plate/magazine and the rear grip strap, around the cutout for the stock attaching iron, with some very minor thinning on the left center section of the barrel. The grips are also in exceptional condition for a test pistol with just some very minor handling marks or scratches with one very minor light pressure dent or gouge on the upper right side grip panel. It has all matching visible numbers to include the upper and lower frame and trigger mechanism, the breech bolt, hammer, barrel, follower, and grip panels. The only visible part not matching is the bolt stop which is numbered 179 (one digit off). Has beautiful original (and matching) heat blued finish that matches the rest of the pistol perfectly. An extremely rare mauser 1896 Royal Bavarian Army contract Mauser test pistol.