This is a very nice example of an early 1896 Mauser commercial contract semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm parabellum. It is a standard WWI 1896 small ring variation with the late style "NS" marked hammer. Standard sights with the tangent rear sight marked 50-500 meters with the 23 groove grips branded with the large "9" on each side filled with red paint. Standard receiver and frame markings of "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER/OBERNDORF A NECKAR." and "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N." The Mauser "crown/U" proof mark is located on the upper left side of the receiver below the serial number and on the top left side of the bolt

Excellent condition overall with 95% of the arsenal blue finish evenly fading overall. The grips are in very fine condition with a nice matching color on both sides showing light handling marks from use. This example has matching numbers that include the grips. Mechanically excellent.