This is an example of an early production Mauser Model 1896 Carbine with the large ring hammer. These early carbines were actually intended as a short rifle substitute, the same as the early Luger Carbines. These early carbines are very unique in that the underside of the receiver is machined with a lug and the stock is actually machined for the attaching iron which is integral with the stock. This makes the carbine easy to disassemble and store it in a small leather case for travel. This carbine is very desirable due to its low serial number and early transitional features, such as the early "long chamber" area which is roll-stamped on top: "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N" in three lines and the heavier frame rails with no milling cuts. This exceptional carbine also has the early large ring hammer and the very unique globe front sight. The example has the short 11.75 inch length barrel and as noted is fitted with a ramp front sight base and a early Mauser factory globe front side with the small pin-head bead inside the globe. It is fitted with the correct early transitional tangent rear sight that is marked: 50-500 meters that is correctly numbered "48" on the underside of the tangent. It has the early Mauser antler firing proof on the right side of the chamber with the serial number "48" stamped on the left side. The sides of the frame have the early large milled panels with no markings. The lower left side of the frame and attaching iron are both correctly serial numbered "48", with the other parts correctly being unnumbered with only a very small Mauser factory "M" proof. It has the early bolt that has the dovetailed firing pin block. The lower left side of the frame is stamped with a "Double Crown/U" proof mark. The barrel and receiver have a rust blue finish. The bolt is bright. The large ring hammer and lock frame have a casehardened finish. The extractor, rear sight slide, bolt stop, safety lever, trigger and stock mounting attachment are heat blued. The stock and forearm are European walnut with a varnish finish. The stock has a black, checkered hard rubber buttplate embossed with a small Mauser monogram. Mauser Model 1896 Carbines were produced in very limited numbers and any example is considered highly desirable!

Excellent with 97% plus of the original blued finish overall with only very minor edge wear. The forend and buttstock are both in very fine condition with nice original finish overall showing only a few minor handling marks on the lower left side of the stock and middle upper area of he forend. This is an exceptionally rare, early high condition Mauser Model 1896 carbine.