This is an excellent example of a desirable early production Mauser Model 1896 Cone Hammer semi-automatic pistol complete with an original matching shoulder stock/holster, that has the scarce "Watson Brothers" retailer mark on the barrel. The company was originally founded by Durs Egg a gunmaker of Swiss origin who established his business in London in 1772 and subsequently became gunmaker to George IV in 1820. In 1875, Thomas Watson was the son-in-law of the renowned gun and revolver maker William Tranter, purchased the company and premises of Durs Egg at 4 Colonnade, Pall Mall. The Watson Brothers has been and still is today in business as one of the preeminent London gunmakers. This Mauser Model 1896 pistol was obviously imported from Germany into London for a client in the late 1890s. It is a standard 1896 Cone Hammer pattern that has all of the early features, such as 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 non-reinforced chamber area. The top of the chamber is marked "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N", with the right side stamped with the early Mauser antlered firing proof with a "double crown/U" proof. The top of the barrel is engraved "WATSON BROS.29. OLD BOND ST. LONDON", with an intertwined early London Proofhouse proofmark on the right side. It has the standard inverted "v" front sight with the desirable early rear sight that is graduated from 1-10 (100-1000 meters). It has the standard 23-groove walnut grips, with both numbered on the back sides. This pistol is complete with the lanyard ring stud and ring on the butt and its original matching combination wooden shoulder stock/holster.

Excellent with 99% of the original blue finish overall with high spot wear and some thinning on the front edges of the frame rails and lower area of the floor plate and rear grip strap, where the stock was installed. The grips are in excellent condition with 95% of the original varnish overall with only minor handling marks. The stock is in fine condition with a nice dark color overall with minor scratches on the sides and face of the lid. The attaching iron retains 70% of a fading blue finish overall. A desirable early British retailer marked early Mauser Model 1896 Cone Hammer pistol, with matching shoulder stock.