This is a very fine example of an early transitional large ring Model 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistol with the desirable early British proofmarks on the right side. Most if not all of these early British proofed Mauser pistol were imported and sold thorough the prestigious Westley Richards Company who had exclusive import right in the later 1890s through the early 1900s. These early Mauser pistols were produced in the early 1900s right after the cone hammer models and have been collector termed a "large ring" due to the size of the ring on top of the hammer. The top of the barrel extension is marked with "WAFFENFABRIK/ MAUSER/ OBERNDORF/A/N" with the left side having a "crown/U" proof and an early Mauser "antler" firing proof on the right side followed by the standard "crown/V" and "crown/GP" British proofs and the early "NP" British Nitro proofmark followed by the roll markings "Not English Made". This model has the correct large ring hammer, non-reinforced barrel/chamber area, long extractor, dovetailed firing pin retainer, deep milled frame panels and walnut grips with 22 grooves on each side. Fixed front sight and an early tangent rear sight graduated from 50-500 that is marked "WESTLEY RICHARDS/& Co." on top flat. The underside of the tangent sight is stamped with serial number "12970". It is fitted with an original lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip frame and it comes with an original unmarked combination walnut shoulder stock/holster with an early unmarked leather stock carrier. The stock iron is numbered 13266.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue finish overall with wear on the edges and high spots with blue loss on the front edges of the frame rails, and grip straps with some slight oxidation on the front grip strap. Smaller parts retain 70% of their heat blued finish with the straw colors on the trigger having silvered out. The reoiled grips are in very good condition with nice original grooves on each side showing minor/light handling marks along the top and bottom edges. The stock is in very good condition with a dark walnut color overall with numerous handling marks and pressure dents on the sides from actual use over the years with 75% blue finish overall on the metal parts. The stock will not attach to the pistol, needs slight fitting. The leather carrier is in good condition with tight stitching along the sides with the large belt loop having been resewn on the back side.