This is a very desirable example of a early small ring, bolo frame Mauser Model 1896 pistol that has the rare stepped barrel with a prototype designed internal magazine base plate release. These stepped barrels are very rarely encountered in the broomhandle pistols as it was something that the Mauser factory was experimenting with but never fully implemented into production. As noted, this specific pistol is even rarer in that it has a rare prototype designed internal release for the magazine base plate. This internal release is actually positioned inside the upper trigger guard area, and the base plate has a serrated front edge to help remove the plate and has been left in the white. It is correctly numbered in the early small ring/bolo frame serial number range. The chamber area has the standard three line markings of: "Waffenfabrik/Mauser/Oberndorf A/N" with a double "Crown/U" commercial proof on the left side chamber flat with no Mauser antlered proof on the right side. The underside has the early capital "M" Mauser factory proof. The right side of the frame is marked in two line: "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER/OBERNDORF A. NECKAR". It has the standard banded front sight with the adjustable rear sights graduated from 50-1,000 meters. It is fitted with a set of serrated walnut grips that are both renumbered "802" on the back sides. The butt of the pistol has the original lanyard stud, but it is missing the lanyard ring.

Fine with 90% of an old, possibly factory, refurbished blue finish overall with edge and high spot wear with several small areas of fine pin-prick type pitting on the front edges and middle areas of the frame rails, left side of the barrel extension, breech bolt and sides of the frame under the grips. The front and sides of the frame also show some light brown spotting. The smaller parts retain 90% of their heat blued colors. The grips are in fair condition with visible serrations that have been revarnished.