This is an absolutely stunning example of the master level presentation grade Mauser factory engraved pistols that they produced and that we have had the opportunity to ever offer for sale. An almost identical example to this pistol is shown on page 203 of the book "System Mauser" by Breathed and Schroeder. This pistol itself is a very early post-WWI Bolo frame Model 1896 commercial pistol. It has been lavishly engraved and embellished with a deep relief, floral and vine pattern that covers most of the metal surfaces with only the barrel area not being engraved. The factory engraving nearly completely covers the front of the frame area, both sides, the underside and floor plate area with a fine line, geometric border pattern around the center and rear frame panel. The upper receiver/barrel extension also has a complimentary engraved pattern that cover both sides, the frame rails, chamber area with the serial number and firing proof nicely outlined, even the sides of the "NS" marked (new safety) hammer have been engraved with a matching/complimentary pattern. This pistol has the smaller bolo style frame, small ring hammer with a lanyard loop stud and loop on the butt. The chamber is marked: "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N" with a "Crown/U" commercial proof on the right side. The right rear frame panel is roll marked in two lines with: WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER/OBERNDORF A NECKAR" with a small Mauser Banner logo on the left side. The short bolo style barrel is fitted with a banded front sight with a fixed sight blade with the adjustable rear sights graduated from 50-1000 meters. It is fitted with a fabulous set of presentation grade deluxe walnut grips, which have also been lavishly embellished. The center section of each grip has been hand checkered with a very fine approximately 22 line/per inch checking which has been framed around the outer edges of the checkering lower area of the grips with a very fine German silver wire. The grip have been further embellished with two small quarter moon type inserts at the bottom and an additional 13 pearl inserts around the top and bottom edges. As noted, this exquisite pistol is accompanied by an equally rare and beautiful, deluxe presentation grade English walnut combination shoulder stock/holster with its original matching numbered stock attaching iron. The wood is absolutely stunning with its fabulous light and dark English walnut figure, the best we have ever seen on a Broomhandle Mauser stock. The attaching iron is all original and has the matching partial serial number "019" stamped on top of the iron, and both the end of the stock and lid are numbered with matching "019" as well as having matching assembler numbers "7" applied by the Mauser factory. This pistol has all matching numbers on the various parts including the backs of each grip panel.