This is a fine example of a early prewar I commercial Mauser Model 1896 pistol export model. This early pistol has all the standard features with the small ring hammer. These were marketed and sold as a commercial handguns prior to WWI and were chambered in the new model powerful "9 mm Export" cartridge, (not to be confused with the standard 9 mm Luger cartridge.). This cartridge did not prove to be very popular and only lasted a few years, before being dropped by the Mauser factory. This early version has the shallow milled panels with the early hammer that does not have the "NS" marked hammer. The top of the chamber is marked with the "Mauser Banner" logo with the early "crown/U" acceptance proof on the left side of the chamber. The right rear side of the frame has the standard "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER/ OBERNDORF A. NECKAR" markings. It has the standard inverted "v" front sight with the adjust tangent rear sight marked "50-1000" meters. It has the standard 32 groove walnut grips with the lanyard loop on the bottom of the grip frame, but its missing the lanyard loop.

Very fine with 85% of the blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with fading and browning on the grip straps, and lower edges of the magazine area. The grips are in very good condition with a nice dark brown color overall showing minor handling marks on both sides. A scarce example of a early, Mauser Banner, small ring pistol in the 9 mm Mauser Export cartridge.