This is an example of an early production Mauser Model 1896 Flatside 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 rear underside of the receiver is machined with a large lug, designed to fit into a detachable walnut shoulder stock that is fitted with the matching attaching iron 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. The example has a short 11 3/4 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 "308" 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 "308" stamped on the left side. This mid-production example has the desirable "flat-sides" that is marked on the left side in three lines: "VON LENGERKE/& DETMOLD/NEW-YORK". The lower left side of the frame and attaching iron are both correctly serial numbered "308", with the other parts correctly being unnumbered or may carry a very small Mauser factory "M" proof. It has the early bolt that has the dovetailed firing pin block. 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 90% plus of the original blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear overall. With thinning on the barrel and sides of the frame with the stock attaching iron showing a gray/blue patina finish. The stock is in excellent condition with a nice straight grain walnut with minor handling marks and light scratches on the sides overall. The forend is in very fine condition with a nice matching color showing minor handling marks on the sides with two small stress cracks on the upper left side directly at the frame rail. They extend for approximately 1 inch. Regardless still a very rare early transitional Mauser carbine. Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.