MAUSER C96 FLATSIDE, GERMAN TEST CONTRACT, STOEGER EXPORT.

22-3096

Cal. 7.63mm
S# 289

In late 1901 the German War Ministry purchased just over 200 Lg. ring flatside pistols that were serial numbered from approx “170” to “425” & marked w/ a German acceptance on the right side of the bbl. extension. This is one of those exceedingly rare pistols, this one having a 5.5″ bbl, a fixed front sight & a slip in rear sight graduated for 50 to 500. Long extractor, single lug firing pin, 1st variation safety, lg. ring hammer. Top of chamber w/ usual Mauser address. S# “289” on left chamber flat. German acceptance “:” crown/ cryptic “S” on right side of bbl. extension. After testing, the surplus gun was sold by Mauser to Stoeger, marked w/ a “Mauser” banner on the left side of the frame, engraved w/ the Stoeger address on the right side of the frame, & replaced the serrated wood grips w/ hard rubber panels having the intertwined “MW” logo. Lanyard ring present. Major components rust blued. Sm. parts fire blued or strawed. Bolt, hammer & sub frame in the white. Disassembly shows all matching parts including the firing pin & each of the grips w/ “289” on the inner surface.

A great gun w/ a fascinating history that involves German military testing and the charismatic Stoeger markings, perfect for the most advanced collector.

STATUS: CURIO.