This is an example of a scarce Mauser Model 1896 large ring, flat side pistol manufactured under the Italian contract in 1899. There were approximately 5,000 produced under this contract, but high condition example are very rare to find as most saw extensive use right up through WWII. This pistol has all the early features such as: 1) the flat side frame, 2) early large ring hammer, 3) the early style bolt with the single lug and the long extractor, 4) old style safety, and of course the two digit serial number. These were manufactured in late 1899 or early 1900, and as noted, have an all smooth slab side flat frame with no milling marks. It has the correct "DV" acceptance proof on the left side of the chamber area. The underside of the barrel has three Gothic letter proofs, and the underside flat of the frame has a "Crown/AV" Italian acceptance proof. The top of the chamber area is marked: "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N". It has the standard fixed front sight and an adjustable rear sight marked "1-10" (100-1,000 meters). It fitted with a matching set of 23 groove walnut grips both numbered "87" on the back sides. The butt of the frame has a lanyard stud and original lanyard loop. This specific pistol is listed by serial number on page 60 in the book "System Mauser" by Breathed and Schroeder

Fine as assembled with 75% plus of the original blue finish overall, only edge and high spot wear, and browning around the lower edge of the magazine well, grip strap and front edges of the frame rails. The bolt and hammer retain their original factory in the white polish which has dulled over time. There are several small nicks and light scratches on the front edge of the lower part of the frame, and the floorplate also shows some minor light indents. The undersized replacement grips are also in very good condition with a nice dark color overall showing minor handling marks on the sides. This pistol has matching numbers except the breech bolt which is numbered "86" and the floorplate which is numbered "426". A scarce example of an Italian contract Mauser model 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistol.