This is an excellent example of a beautiful all original, unaltered late production, large ring, flat side, Broomhandle Mauser, that is complete with the original matching Mauser shoulder stock with a rare "US" marked Manila Depot manufactured leather holster, The Ultra-Rare or unique, aspect of this lot is the "US" marked, all leather Broomhandle holster, that carries not only the "US" markings but also the very desirable "Maestranza De Manila" markings on the front. This holster was probably manufactured or issued during the late 1890s or early 1900s during the Philippine insurrection, and was manufactured or commissioned specifically for Capt Maury Nichols. These holsters are extremely scarce with production, very limited usage in a humid and destructive climate. This lot also contains documentation linking this specific pistol and holster to the family of Capt Nichols, later Colonel Nichols. There have been a few other holsters also noted with this same or similar type of marking, but usually they were configured for standard U.S. revolvers, but never have we seen one specifically made for the 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistol. To help link these items together and put them into proper context, we have to back up a little; this lot was originally sold in late 1961 by Capt Nichol's daughter to a noted California dealer. The ensuing research, noted that Maury Nichols, originally from New York, NY., entered the U.S. Army and was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in November 1883 and retired as a Colonel in July 1918. If you recall during the 1989-1902 timeframe, the Philippine Insurrection was in full swing overseas, which would have been about the proper time frame for a young Captain to be stationed overseas. As you may also recall the indigenous natives were not going down so well being shot at with the standard 1894 service revolver. An astute young Captain destined for that area of the world, having been from New York would have wanted to purchase their own, and most up to date, best high capacity, rapid fire commercial semi-automatic pistol on the market for his sidearm choice. Where better to look than at the large and prestigious firm of Von Lengerke in New York. Then after having arrived in the Philippines he would have also wanted to obtain the best leather holster to fit his new pistol, what better a place than the Manila Ordnance Depot. This depot was specifically established to perform repairs on the various small arms in the Philippines but also to repair and manufacture "new leather" Calvary equipment for all the forces there. The Captain obviously commissioned the Depot to fabricate this specific holster for his own private use. The holster itself is a beautiful example of a form fitted holster made specifically for the 1896 Broomhandle pistol. It is properly stamped on the lower front flap "MAESTRANZA de MANILA" (which they were required to do for all new or repaired leather goods) along with a very prominent "US" on the front of the holster body by the brass stud. Inside the flap they also stamped the name of the young captain, linking this to his service records in the US Army. The inscription inside the flap is "Maury Nichols/Capt. 3rd U.S. Infantry". The back of the holster has a single large belt loop that is held on by three brass studs, exactly as you would see on any US service holster issued or repaired at this time. The actual Broomhandle pistol in this lot is an exceptional example of a beautiful, late production flat side, large ring model, that was a private purchase. The serial number range of this exact pistol, falling well within those noted as being sold through the prestigious and well know company of Von Lengerke of New York, NY., (get the connection). Most of these pistols are found with that company's name rolled marked on the side of the frame, however this model, since it was intended as a specific private purchase for an Army Capt, was not roll marked in that manner. Additionally this exact pistol serial number is listed in the book, "System Mauser" on page 72. This Mauser pistol has all the early features such as the unreinforced short chamber area, the long extractor, the later style rear sight with the 50-500 meters markings, with the early three line Mauser factory markings on top of the chamber area, the late one-lug firing pin, with the early Mauser antlered proof on the left side and the diagonal serial number on the right side. As noted this specific Broomhandle pistol is complete with it's original, unaltered and matching combination wooden holster/shoulder stock. The attaching iron is correctly marked with the full serial number, stamped sideways on top of the attaching iron. The walnut stock retains 98% of it's original varnished finish. Just a super example of a very rare and unique all matching 1896 Broomhandle rig that is complete with a scarce U.S. Manila Marked leather holster with family documentation and military history. The holster is pictured in Meadow's book U.S. MILITARY HOLSTERS AND PISTOL CARTRDIGE BOXES, page 329.

Excellent with 97% of the original blued finish on the pistol itself with minor edge wear on the high spots and around the cutout area on the back strap for the holster/shoulder stock. The various smaller parts retain 95% of their original nitre blued finish with also just minor edge wear. The grips are in excellent with just minor handling marks, with nice sharp distinct grooves on both sides. The walnut stock is also in near excellent condition with an exceptional 95% of the original factory finish with only minor handling marks and light scratches, with 90% of the original blue on the hinge and attaching iron, with the iron showing an old age rust developing on top. The only detrimental feature of the stock is that there are two minor age cracks (so common to these stocks) located on lower right side corner with a second minor age crack on the left side in front of the hinge. The holster is actually in excellent plus condition with no rips, or tears with nice tight stitching overall. The surface of the holster shows minor field use overall with light age cracking on the top of the belt loop, and flap and down the front of the body of the holster itself. The ultra rare Manila markings and inscription. are clear, sharp and distinct. A desirable example of an early 1896 Broomhandle Mauser rig with documentation to a U.S. Army Officer and the Ultra-rare U.S. marked leather holster.