This is a very scarce, late production Mauser Model 1896 six shot small ring hammer Bolo frame pistol reportedly sold under a Swiss commercial contract. This pistol is somewhat unique based on the noted features above and it has the rare back strap that is NOT cut for the combination wooden shoulder stock/holster. Clearly this desirable pistol was intended to be carried in a leather holster as a conventional pistol. This exact pistol is actually listed as "one of two" pistols in the early reference book System Mauser by Breathed and Schroeder on pages 112 and 113. As is stated therein, it was purchased in the 1950s in Switzerland and brought into the US. The top of the chamber area is marked "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER OBERNDORF, A/N" and the right rear side of the frame is marked with "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER OBERNDORF A.Neckar". The left side of the chamber is stamped with a double crown/U" proof mark along with the serial number. It has the short Bolo style barrel with a banded front sight while the rear of the upper receiver is milled flat and fitted with a fixed rear sight. It is fitted with Bolo style walnut grips with 32 Grooves and lanyard ring on the bottom of the frame. These six-shot Broomhandle pistols have the best feel and balance of all the 1896 pistols.