Designed by Ferdinand Ritter von Mannlicher. This pistol is often called the Model 1896/03 due to the fact that it was originally developed in 1896 (at the same time the 1896 Mauser pistol) however it was not commercially introduced on to the market until approximately 1903. The design was an improvement over the earlier fixed magazine, blow back operated Model 1896 (I). The Model 1896 (II) incorporated a removable six shot box magazine and locked breech operating mechanism. Blade front and fixed notch rear sights with a Swiss "BP" proof on top of the barrel chamber, small "L" inside a shield on the left side of the barrel, double "D" stamps on the right, and matching serial number "265" on the left side of the barrel and upper receiver. As stated the pistol features a detachable box magazine, however the upper receiver is slotted for stripper clips. With a fine rust blue finish on the upper and lower receiver, bright polished bolt, checkered cocking lever on the right side of the frame, matching numbered straw colored trigger, and serrated straw colored safety switch at the rear of the frame. Fitted with matching numbered checkered walnut grips and lanyard loop. The magazine is numbered "180" on the right side, and renumbered to match on the base plate (original number "300").

Excellent with 95% original blue finish, some small scattered dings, traces of mild edge wear, surface scratches, and a mostly bright patina on the small parts with the exception of the safety which retains most of its original straw color. The grips are very fine with lightly worn checkering and some small dings. Mechanically excellent.