This is an exceptional example of a very rare early production Mauser Model 1896 large ring hammer flatside carbine complete with its original matching detachable shoulder stock. This carbine was originally from the Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess collection. These early carbines were actually intended as a short rifle substitute, the same as the early Luger Carbines. They are very rare as so few were manufactured with the very unique detachable shoulder stock. To accomplish this the rear underside of the receiver was machined with a large lug, in lieu of the traditional pistol grip. The shoulder stock had the lower pistol grip section attached to a slightly longer buttstock section. This makes the carbine easy to disassemble and store 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 with the serial number "242" marked on the left side. These all had a heavier frame rail with no milling cuts, to support the weight of the upper receiver, due to the longer barrel. This example has the shorter 11 3/4 inch length barrel and as noted is fitted with a ramp front sight base and a early Mauser factory globe front sight 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 "242" on the underside of the tangent. It has the early Mauser antler firing proof on the right side of the chamber. This early-production example has the desirable "flatside" with no frame panels. The lower left side of the frame, left side of the chamber, rear of hammer, and attaching iron are both correctly serial numbered "242", 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 and the long extractor. 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. It comes in a custom leather bound storage/display case with numerous compartments to hold the carbine, detached buttstock and various accessories. There is a small importer's mark on the lower right side of the receiver. Mauser Model 1896 Carbines were produced in very limited numbers and any example is considered highly desirable!

Very fine with 80% plus of the original blue finish overall with general light blue loss and thinning on the flat side of the receiver with ore actual blue loss on the lower edges of the floorplate/frame area and the underside of the trigger guard bow. The attaching iron also retains 75% blue finish overall. The short forend and buttstock are both in fine condition retaining most of their respective varnishes with both showing numerous small handling marks and pressure dents on the sides from use and handling over the years. The leather storage case is in like new condition. A very fine rare early, flatside, large ring hammer, Model 1896 Broomhandle Mauser carbine with its matching buttstock.