This is a highly desirable example of a rare early pattern Mauser "flatside large ring" Model 1896 Broomhandle pistol as purchased on a limited contract for German Army testing. The German War Ministry approved a small purchase of over 200 Broomhandle pistols on November 11th, 1901, for testing by the Royal Bavarian Army. These pistols all have the "flatside" frames with a "large ring" hammer and run in their own serial range numbered 170-420. A distinct crowned eagle German test proofmark is located on the bottom of the barrel, the right of the barrel extension has a crown above gothic letter "S" German military acceptance proofmark, the back strap is marked with the gothic letter "M", blade front and tangent rear sight graduated 50-500 meters, "WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF a/N" marked in three lines on top of the chamber, firing pin return spring, early safety, and back strap cut for shoulder stock. The matching serial number "289" is marked on various components including the receiver, bolt, firing pin, hammer, hammer housing, takedown catch, frame, magazine follower, floorplate, and hand carved on the underside of both hard rubber grip panels. This example is retailer marked "A.F. STOEGER INC./NEW YORK" on the right of the frame, and was subsequently imported for sale on the American commercial market some time in the 1930s. Information on these German Army test contract C96 Broomhandle pistols, as well as other examples pictured, can be found on pages 44-46 and 56 of the book "The Broomhandle Pistol 1896-1936" by Wayne Erickson and Charles Pate, and 68-69 of the book "System Mauser" by John Breathed, Jr. and Joseph Schroeder, Jr.

Very fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some light handling marks, 90% original niter blue finish and sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The grips are also very fine with a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This important German Army Test Mauser C96 Broomhandle pistol with unique subsequent American retailing history is the missing piece in any advanced military firearms collection!