This is a unique example of a Mauser Model 1896 large ring, flat side Broomhandle pistol that has been engraved with a short presentation inscription on each side of the frame. The inscription on the left reads: "Casimir Graf nu Castelli Rudenhausen/4.Esd./Ostas.Reiter-Regt.", and the right side reads: "Fur Erinnerung on das Officier-Corps der Hessischen Garde-Dragoner/Regts." The Rider Regiments were formed in 1919 shortly after WWI at the time the German Imperial Army was in transition after being disbanded. They were basically horse mounted calvary units formed under the so-called Provisional Reichswehr as allowed under the Treaty of Versailles. The personnel were made up of former German infantry units, and they were organized under three different cavalry divisions. The 4th Regiment (Postdam) was formed under the 1st Calvary Division located in Frankfurt. In 1935 at the start of the large Nazi build up in Germany, all these calvary units were disbanded, and all of the members were folded back into the standard Wehrmacht units, infantry or armor. Obviously this pistol was either given or belonged to an officer in the 4th Regiment. The chamber area has the standard three-line Mauser factory markings with the serial number "24865" stamped on the left flat, along with a double "crown/U" Mauser proof mark below the serial number. The right side has a single Mauser antler firing/acceptance proof. It has the standard features such as a large ring hammer, long extractor with the new style breechblock with the round single lug fining pin without the dovetailed retainer block. It has the standard inverted "v" front sight and the adjustable tangent rear sight graduated from "50-1000" meters. It has the black gutta percha type grips with the intertwined Mauser logo on each side, and both have the matching serial number hand scratched on the back sides. The butt of the frame is fitted with a lanyard ring stud and an original lanyard ring.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue finish overall, edge and high spot wear, and blue loss on the lower rear area of the back strap, the lower front edge of the magazine housing and muzzle. The front grip strap also shows a mixed blue/brown patina finish. The grips are in very fine condition with nice molded in checkering on both sides and some minor handling marks. It has matching numbers on the various parts.