This is an early production Mauser Model 1896, six-shot, small ring hammer semi-automatic pistol with the smaller bolo style frame that has the rare stepped barrel. 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. They have been noted in the 28000-30000 serial number range and again in the 42000 serial number range. In addition, it has a very desirable narrow back strap that is NOT cut for the wooden shoulder stock with the fixed rear sight. This was an early design before the factory heavily marketed the detachable shoulder stock with the intention of this pistol being carried in a leather holster like a conventional pistol. The chamber area is marked "WAFFENFABRIK, MAUSER OBERNDORF, A/N," and the right rear side of the frame is marked with "WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.Neckar". The left side of the chamber is stamped with a "double crown/U" proofmark along with the serial number. It has the short bolo style barrel with a banded front sight, and the rear of the upper receiver is milled flat and fitted with a fixed rear sight. The underside of the barrel has a single "F" proof on the barrel and frame extension along with a capital "B" and "S". It is fitted with its original serrated walnut grips that are numbered "29636" (written in pencil) on the back side of each grip. The bottom of the butt has the standard lanyard ring stud and ring. These six-shot Broomhandle pistols have the best feel and balance of all the 1896 pistols.

Fine with 70% of the blue finish overall with several small little areas of pin-prick type pitting on top of the barrel and right side frame rail and small little spots of very light corrosion on the front and right side of the frame/magazine box. The grip straps have turned a silver/brown patina overall. The grips are also in fine condition with nice serrations on the sides showing minor handling marks. This is a very scarce and highly desirable early six-shot, bolo frame Broomhandle Mauser pistol with the seldom encountered stepped barrel configuration.