This is a very good example of a very rare and seldom encountered early 1896 Cone Hammer Mauser pistol that is complete with an original matching combination walnut shoulder stock/holster. This model was termed a "Cone Hammer" model based on the shape of the sides of the hammer which come to a cone configuration. This is an early example and is actually earlier than the one noted on pg. 40, in the book "System Mauser" by Breathed & Schroeder. This model basically became the final frame configuration for the standard 1896 pattern throughout production. This example has the early long extractor, milled panel frame with the raised rear panel on the left side, with the dovetailed firing pin retained, early wide trigger, and nonreinforced chamber area. The top of the chamber is marked "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N" and the right side of the barrel extension has the early Mauser Antlered firing proof, with the "double crown" over "U" proofs on the left side. It has the military style adjustable rear sight marked 1-10 (100-1000) meters with the fixed front sight. It has the rare early pattern 21-groove walnut grips that have the back sides of each grip panel hollowed out in two areas; one above and one below the grip screw. This feature was used only very early on in the Mauser production and was subsequently dropped, as it weakened the grips and subjected them to cracking around the grip screw. This pistol is complete with the lanyard ring stud on the butt. Also included is the early, matching combination wooden shoulder stock/holster, that is correctly numbered to the gun. This stock is somewhat unusual in that it was numbered on the rear section of the hinge for the stock lid. While this might seem incorrect, it really attests to the fact that this is such an early pistol and Mauser had not yet standardized on stamping the serial number on the attaching iron.

Good with 40% of the faded original blued finish, which has darkened/faded to a duller blue/brown patina overall with some finish loss on the edges and high spots, such as the grip straps, frame rails underside of the barrel etc. The grips are in very good condition with minimal handling marks and light dents with 30% of the original varnish remaining and with a very slight age crack on the bottom of the right grip. The shoulder stock is in poor condition overall showing an old, used look to the stock and lid. The metal fittings retain traces of their blued finish, which has browned out with the balance a gray patina. Overall the stock has three age cracks and remnants of a band (now absent) which once was on the rear portion. The rear lid is a period crude replacement. This pistol has matching numbers to include the stock which as noted is numbered on the hinge which also matches the pistol. Both the pistol and the stock appear to have been together for some time. A rare example of a very early 1896 "Cone Hammer", Broomhandle pistol rig.