SUPERB EARLY LOEWE BORCHARDT 1893 PISTOL, EXPERIMENTAL FEATURES, CASED WITH ACCESSORIES.

SN 13. Cal. 7.65 mm. This is a very unusual Borchardt in several respects. Unlike a number of other pistols in this serial range that have a sear retained by a separately affixed spring, this gun has the later type sear. There are no proofs on bbl or toggle train, whose breech block is in-the-white. Similarly, there are no markings on right side of receiver. All the numbered parts are “13”, including the trigger plate, trigger, and right grip panel (left is unnumbered). The bbl is numbered “30” and is 7-1/2″ having pinned front sight and blade rear sight secured by two screws. Top of chamber marked “Ludw. Loewe & Co. / Berlin / 1893.” and “D.R.P./No75837.” on center toggle link. The main point of interest centers about the unusual attachment at the rear of the main spring housing. Instead of the usual lug, this pistol has a rotate-able tube that slips into a recess of the skeletonized shoulder stock. This unique form of stock and attachment is shown in early Borchardt literature. Rotating the serrated wheel advances a threaded screw to lock the back of the main spring housing onto the front of the matching numbered stock. At the rear of the stock is a loop for a shoulder strap, presently fitted with a modern replacement, that connects to the loop on the left side of the receiver. The ensemble comes with three original magazines, all with matching SN “13”, wooden hold open, wood screw driver handle with two blades, small oil bottle, and a larger grease tin marked “Virginia – Fett / Marked for Petri & Stark, Offenbach A/M”, and a pin punch. All components contained in an original period oak box, lid lined in green baize, whose base is lined in dark green felt and compartmentalized for the pistol and all accessories. Lid is secured with two rotating clasps and centered keyed lock. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Pistol retains an amazing 99+% orig blue with the associated small parts and grips in the same condition. As mentioned, the breech block is in-the-white, most of the wear appearing on each side of the cocking knob and slight fading on the forward face of trigger and the right mainspring housing cover plate. Mirror bore and perfect manual mechanics. Comparable condition shoulder stock and each of the mags that show minor oxidative flecking on each side of their bodies. The dummy mag that appears near new, is of a very rare type seen in only one other cased early Borchardt. Near excellent screw driver handle and VG punch whose surface has been lightly cleaned. A spectacular, super low SN Borchardt, with experimental skeletonized shoulder stock and accessories, in beautiful period, deluxe presentation case. 49828-3 LMA (50,000-100,000) – Lot 1516

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BEAUTIFUL LOEWE BORCHARDT MODEL 1893 PISTOL IN CASE WITH ACCESSORIES INCLUDING THREE SPARE MAGAZINES.

SN 461. Cal. 7.65 mm. Standard mid-production Loewe Borchardt with 7-1/2″ bbl having pinned front sight and blade rear sight secured by two screws. “BUG” proofs on left side of bbl with “BU” repeated on the left side of receiver and left side of toggle linkage. The chamber is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / LOEWE / BERLIN”. “D.R.P./No75837.” on center toggle link. “SYSTEM BORCHARDT PATENT.” on right receiver. SN “461” is on the left side of trigger, stock lug and bottom of frame. Checkered walnut grips with border are each numbered to match pistol. Primary mag and one of the spare mags match the pistol. The other two are numbered “1359” and “1543”. Orig matching shoulder stock with attached holster, matching numbered cheekpiece, sling, dummy wooden magazine/breech cleaning holdopen contains the top of what should be a 3-pc brass cleaning rod with oiler in the handle. Additional accessories include a wood handled/brass shaft cleaning rod, short screw driver, tinned oiler in leather pouch, and a pair of keys for the case. Black leather case with nickel plated fittings, nickeled studs on corners and leather handle. Interior of case is compartmentalized and lined with green felt. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Pistol retains 90-95% orig rust blue with wear at muzzle, sharp edges, around recoil spring and grip straps as one would expect from moderate, but careful use. Fired blued and straw parts show commensurate wear with no suggestion of touch up. Same condition applies to grips and all the mags, regardless of their SN. Mirror bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. Excellent wood stock, cheekpiece. Black leather holster in surprisingly good condition with moderate-heavy crazing of straps, particularly the top strap and leather sling. All other accessories in near excellent condition, nicely packaged in more recent production carrying case. A great looking ensemble. 49828-21 LMA (25,000-35,000) – Lot 1517

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BORCHARDT 1893 PISTOL, PROTOTYPE, WITH STOCK AND CASE.

NSN. 7.63 mm. Loewe made a very limited run of short bbl prototype pistols and a number of its very first 1893s were sold with a skeletonized shoulder stock. This unnumbered example has a 6″ bbl with a integral front sight and entirely fixed rear sight (as per prototype SN 6). It is devoid of any chamber markings, though the toggle link retains the “D.R.P./No75837.” marking as per standard production pistols. A Crown/ scriptic D appears on the left side of the chamber, historically applied to military test guns, and is repeated on the left frame under the grip and on the inner surface of each panel. As per other early guns (prototypes SN 3 and SN 6) this example has a short sear bar that is tensioned by a separate screwed-in spring. Mechanical features are otherwise as per production pistols. Fitted with a standard mag whose number has been removed from the base and a skeletonized shoulder stock that attaches to the recoil spring housing in the usual manner. Pistol and stock are sold in a mahogany display case whose lid has been fitted with a blank brass plaque measuring 1-3/8″ x 1″. Inner surfaces lined with dark blue velvet, not compartmentalized for pistol/stock/other accessories. The back wall of the case has begun to separate from the body. Secured with a single brass keyed latch. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Pistol with at least 98% reapplied rust blue. Slightly bent extractor with over 90% reapplied straw, the balance of the small parts having most of their vivid fire blue/strawed colors. Replacement grips nicely colored, well fitting and with sharp checkering. Excellent mag with removed numbers, as previously noted. Bright bore with shallow rifling. Top assembly is loose, will not return fully to battery. Once cocked and pushed into the forward position, pulling the trigger will release the firing pin and the thumb safety operates properly. Near excellent unnumbered shoulder stock. Case is in VG condition, the base separation reflecting an easy fix. A very interesting Borchardt, having mechanical features noted on several single digit guns, described by consignor as a prototype, accompanied by equally unusual skeletonized shoulder stock and case. 49828-205 LMA (17,500-35,000) – Lot 1518

DESIRABLE DWM 1893 BORCHARDT PISTOL WITH ORIGINAL STOCK.

SN 1105. Cal. 7.65 Borchardt. Standard configuration Borchardt, one of the first assembled by DWM, with 7-1/2″ bbl, having fixed front and rear sights. “BUG” proofs on left side of bbl and full SN on bottom where screwed into receiver. “D.R.P./No75837” on center toggle link. Knob toggle with toggle lock on right side. “BU” proofs repeated on left receiver and left side of toggle assembly. Right receiver marked “SYSTEM BORCHARDT PATENT./DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN./BERLIN.” Visible SN on gun are matching including left side of trigger, stock lug and bottom of frame. Checkered walnut grips with border are unnumbered. Magazine is closely numbered “1033” on wood base. Orig walnut stock and cheek piece are unnumbered as is correct for the Borchardts made by DWM. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Pistol retains approx 75-80% orig rust blue, the balance transitioning to a mellow patina, particularly around the bbl and both grip straps. Light and seemingly recent oxidation involves a number of the small parts, including the extractor, sear, toggle lock and the cover plates on each side of the receiver. Grips with oil staining and blunted checkering, consistent with the overall condition of the pistol. Same considerations apply to the mag and the shoulder stock that shows no evidence of cleaning or enhancement. Generally bright bore with strong rifling and mild oxidation. Though the mechanics are a bit sticky, once the action has been cocked and then closed, the trigger and safety function properly. 49828-35 LMA (13,500-19,500) – Lot 1520

HIGHLY DESIRABLE BERGMANN M1896, NUMBER 3, TARGET PISTOL.

SN 898. Cal. 6.5mm Bergmann. Theodor Bergmann was an early pioneer in the development of European semi-automatic pistols in the early 1890s and early 1900s. All of the Number 2s, 3s and 4s had an integral magazine that was loaded by rotating down the magazine sideplate and inserting a clip of cartridges from the side. Bergmann made very few target pistols, all in 6.5mm Bergmann. This gun has a longer than usual 7.25″ octagonal bbl, fully adjustable sights, a finger rest, a set trigger with its auxiliary cocking catch in the front of the trigger guard which must be pushed forward to cock the set trigger mechanism to fire the pistol, and a trigger stop. The screw-in bbl is marked 278 (bore gauge) on the left side. Adjacent to this number is the Crown/Crown/U proof marking that is repeated on the left side of the chamber. The left receiver, with long flutes, is marked “Patent Brevete S. G. D. G.” The SN 898 appears on the right side of the receiver just below the flute. In the center of the sideplate is the Bergmann factory logo featuring a miner surmounted by the word” “Gaggenau” and over V.C.S. Suhl. In this case, V.S.C were the initials for V. Charles Schilling, who made the pistols for Bergmann, with Suhl being the location. Walnut grips are finely checkered and without a logo. PROVENANCE: Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess Collection; The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. CONDITION: The pistol is faded from use and mild oxidation with 80-85% blue mixed with patina, particularly over the sliding cover and front/back straps. Comparable fading and toning of the fire blue on the safety and the straw on the hammer, safety stop, and trigger. Nicely checkered, orig grips with comparable condition in-the-white grip screw and escutcheon. Bright bore with sharp rifling. A rare and distinctive Bergmann that should appeal to every collector of automatic pistols. 51568-18 LMA (12,500-15,500) – Lot 1522

ABSOLUTELY SUPERB BITTNER REPEATING PISTOL, MODEL 1893 WITH ORIGINAL CLIP.

SN 2159. Cal. 7.7 Bittner. One of the most recognizable repeating pistols, whose production has been variously estimated at between 500 – 3000 guns. This phenomenal example has a 6″ bbl with a fixed front sight. The fire blued rear sight is a cursor mounted on a ramp marked in three gradations from 50-150. Top of the chamber is marked with the Eagle/3 Weipert proof mark while the right side of the frame is stamped “PATENT BITTNER” over an encircled logo containing an intertwined “GB” surmounting a “W” (Gustav Bittner, Weipert). This example is marked “2159.97” under the barrel, indicating that it was the 2159th pistol proofed in the Weipert Proof House in 1897. The formal SN, marked internally, was not accessed by this reviewer for fear of marring the sideplate screws. As true for all Bittners, the bbl is browned while the frame, sideplate, finger lever, safety and bolt cap are color case hardened. The bolt is in-the-white. Forend and grips are nicely checkered with blunted points as typical for this gun. Complete with an orig clip and presented in an attache carrying case, bound in light brown suede leather, internally lined with luxurious fabric and secured with two brass clasps. Pair of keys retained by a suede tab. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: A simply superb pistol wherein the bbl retains 98% of its orig browned finish and the case hardening remains vivid under a lacquered coating, showing only minimal sharp edge wear and the slightest fading of the backstrap. Bright in-the-white bolt and extractor show no evidence of cleaning. Forend with a small missing chip on the right side at the upper rear corner. Grips with slight oil darkening and a few minute handling dings. Generally bright bore with strong rifling, showing corrosion in the grooves. Perfect mechanics. Case appears near new. A truly fantastic Bittner with clip that would be nearly impossible to upgrade! 49828-43 LMA (12,500-18,500) – Lot 1523

HIGHLY DESIRABLE MANNLICHER M1896/03 WITH CORRECT MAGAZINE AND CASE.

SN 199. Cal. 7.63 mm. The SIG factory made about 1000 M1896 pistols and carbines for Mannlicher. This standard production pistol has a 4.5″ bbl fitted with a drift adjustable front sight and a fixed rear sight. An intertwined BP (Swiss proof mark) is on the top chamber flat. A Crown/Crown U is on the left side of the bbl, just ahead of the chamber, and repeated on the left side of the receiver and the left side of the bolt. SN “199” appears on the left side of the chamber, the left side of the receiver and the right side of the trigger. Adjacent to the SN on the receiver and on the left tang are two inspection markings, one encircled, the other a six-pointed star, that have been obliterated with dotted punches. There is a large cocking lever on the right side of the frame. Once cocked, pulling the trigger will fire the pistol and release the lever to rotate forward. The small serrated projection over the tang is the safety. Moving the safety up blocks the cocking lever to prevent firing. Magazine has four indicator holes and is numbered “124” on the floorplate. Checkered walnut grips and fixed lanyard ring. Complete with hard case bound in light brown suede and lined in luxurious green fabric, secured with two brass keyed clasps with included leather key tab. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Approximately 90% orig blue with fading and a scattering of superficial nicks and handling marks. The bolt, trigger and magazine follower are bright with minimal oxidative disturbance, as is the strawed safety. Orig grips are dark with blunted checkering, small losses on the left panel. No cracks. Near-mirror bore with strong rifling and only minimal oxidative change. Perfect manual mechanics. Carrying case and key tab are virtually new. An unusual early semi-automatic pistol that seldom comes up for sale. 49828-13 LMA (4,500-7,500) – Lot 1524

*ATTRACTIVE M1910 DREYSE ARMEEPISTOLE IN 9MM PARABELLUM.

SN 1444. Cal. 9mm. Standard large frame Dreyse, blowback, with 5-1/2″ bbl having fixed front and rear sight. Left side of frame marked with 2-line address “Rheinische Metallwaaren-& Maschinenfabrik / ABT. SOMMERDA.” Stacked Crown/N proofs are on the slide, bbl housing and frame. SN 1444 is stamped internally under the coverplate and under the slide. “DREYSE” is on the right side of the frame. Major parts of the pistol are rust blued. Extractor and pins were originally strawed. Molded hard rubber grips have an encircled “RMF” logo over bordered checkering. Orig mag with a split tail base. Disassembly shows all matching numbers. PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. CONDITION: Approximately 95% matte finish with several noticeable patches of oxidation on the right side of the bbl housing. Negligible freckling on front and backstraps. The extractor has been polished while the exposed surfaces of the pins have largely grayed. Rust blue on magazine commensurate with condition of pistol. Orig, excellent+ grips . No cracks or chips. Bright bore with strong rifling and perfect manual mechanics. A large and very impressive early automatic pistol, production estimated at fewer than 1,000 guns, seldom offered for sale. 51568-38 LMA (5,500-8,000) C&R – Lot 1525

*IMPRESSIVE M1910 DREYSE ARMEEPISTOLE IN 9MM PARABELLUM.

SN 1396. Cal. 9mm. Standard large frame Dreyse, blowback, with 5-1/2″ bbl having fixed front and rear sight. Left side of frame marked with 2-line address “Rheinische Metallwaaren-& Maschinenfabrik / ABT. SOMMERDA.” In the recess is a section in the white where presumed police markings were removed before the pistol was decommissioned. Stacked Crown/N proofs are on the slide, bbl housing and frame. SN 1396 is stamped internally under the coverplate and slide. “DREYSE” is on the right side of the frame. Major parts of the pistol are rust blued. Extractor and pins originally strawed. Molded hard rubber grips have an encircled “RMF” logo over bordered checkering. Orig police marked mag with a split tail base marked “169.II.” PROVENANCE: The Esteemed Collection Of Noted Expert And Author Warren Buxton. CONDITION: Approximately 75-80% orig matte finish with moderate holster wear and thinning of straps from service use. Faded straw on the extractor with the exposed surfaces of the pins having faded and polished. Rust blue on magazine commensurate with condition of pistol. Orig, near excellent grips. Slightly dull bore with strong rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. A large and very impressive early automatic pistol, production estimated at fewer than 1,000 guns, seldom offered for sale. 51568-37 LMA (4,000-6,000) C&R – Lot 1526

BEAUTIFUL PRESENTATION MAUSER ZIG-ZAG REVOLVER, GOLD LINE ENGRAVING, SN 1, CASED WITH ACCESSORIES.

SN 1. Cal. 7.6 Mauser. Standard configuration Zig-Zag with 5-1/4″ keyhole shaped bbl with integral front and rear sight. Top strap marked “”GEBR. MAUSER & CIE OBENDORF A/N WURTTEMBERG 1878”. The left side of frame is presentation inscribed “PAUL MAUSER Y LA WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER AG / AL SR CAL. PABLO RICCHERI / 25 MAYO 1891”. The SN “1” is present on the inside of the dismounting lever, the inner face of cylinder and on top of frame lug. Revolver has been extraordinarily well polished to a brilliant midnight blue with bright fire blued hammer, safety, dismounting lever, trigger and screws. Gold line highlighting of all inscriptions and borders, to include the Zig-Zag cut-outs on cylinder, front and back strap, with accenting of the hammer and dismounting lever. Fitted with hard rubber grips, each panel molded to have a dragon and vine motif. Presented in a French fitted wood case whose lid has an inserted plaque with intertwined initials “PR”, lined in dark blue velvet with compartmentalized base for pistol, screw driver, 18 rnd ammo block, and minor accessories. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Customized Zig-Zag revolver now presents near new with only the most minute sharp edge wear around the dismounting lever. Grips are nearly as good with deeply impressed and dramatic pattern, no chips or cracks. Dull bore with very shallow rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. Presentation case, screw driver and associated wooden inserts in excellent condition. A beautifully embellished small frame Zig-Zag, with a great SN, in a well appointed and appropriately aged presentation case that should appeal to every collector. 49828-158 LMA (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1527

UNIQUE MAUSER PRE-STEPBARREL CARBINE.

SN 9. Serial number 9 on firing pin, bolt, subframe, follower and floor-plate. With later correct type hollow wooden stock and attaching iron numbered 9 to match. Bears crown U proof mark. This is the only known Mauser factory prototype carbine identical to and possibly the very pistol illustrated on the frontispiece of SYSTEM MAUSER by Breathed and Schroeder as well as in THE BROOMHANDLE PISTOL 1896-1936. The photograph in black and white is credited to Herr August Weiss and the Mauser factory in Oberndorf. This is the only Mauser carbine known with a rectangular trigger guard with the pinhole through it, the same unique feature as the carbine in the Weiss photo. Another prototype carbine finished in the white is illustrated in the archives of the late Fred Datig which also has the square trigger guard with the pinhole. A similar ultra-rare Mauser carbine was sold in this room from the renowned Dr. Geoff Sturgess Collection however Dr. Sturgess’ carbine featured a later half round trigger guard. Serial number 9 is without doubt one of the very first Mauser carbines and the only example with these features known. A prize for the most advanced collector of C96’s or early shoulder stocked pistols. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: The bbl and action retains about 50% orig blue with considerable fading around the bbl and rails. The extractor is a replacement and most of the fire blue has faded from the small parts, excepting the safety whose fire blue has been enhanced. The attaching stock, recently manufactured, is in near new condition with only a few minuscule scuffs on wood and no appreciable wear on the lug. Dull bore with shallow rifling and considerable oxidation. Perfect manual mechanics. A very rare and unusual carbine. This conforms to the earliest pattern guns shown in most of the Broomhandle Mauser texts notably Breathed and Schroeder which illustrates a similar carbine in its end paper. Possibly the only opportunity the Mauser C96 collector will have to acquire an example of this type. The only other known sale also by James D. Julia was lot #3034 from the Sturgess Collection sold in March of 2014. 49828-194 (50,000-75,000) – Lot 1528

MAUSER C96 LARGE RING MILLED PANEL CARBINE.

SN 651. Cal. 7.63mm. Mauser made relatively few Large Ring Milled Panel Carbines. This mid-production example has a 16″ bbl with a drift adjustable bead front sight and a slip-in 50-500 rear sight whose groove is continued into the securing lug. Usual chamber address with the SN marked on the left chamber flat. Crown/Crown U marking on the left side of the bbl extension where obscured by the forend. The bolt has a long extractor and a two lug firing pin. The frame is marked with a 2-line address on the right side while the left side is marked with the SN “651” to match the stock lug. The matching number is repeated under the sight, on the bolt stop, on top of the bolt, the back of the hammer, the back of the sub-frame, and the locking lever. The wood forend has a length 9-1/4″ and the buttstock is fitted with a Mauser buttplate having the intertwined “MW”. Neither the forend nor the buttstock are equipped with a swing swivel. Major parts are rust blued. The extractor, rear sight assembly, bolt stop, safety and stock lug are fire blued. Hammer is grayed and trigger is strawed. It should be noted that as per most Mauser C96 carbines imported from Germany, a modification has been made to prevent separation of the frame from the buttstock (ie: the release button cannot be depressed), and issue that can likely be reversed by a competent gunsmith. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Approximately 97% bright rust blue with the rear portion of the bbl having had some touch-up. No discernible enhancement of the bbl extension, receiver, or any of the small parts or stock lug, whose upper and lower arms are freckled with toning. Comparable condition straw on trigger. Most of the orig varnish remains on the forend and buttstock that have a scattering of handling dings. Buttplate is a replacement. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. One of the better Large Ring Milled Panel Carbines. 49829-25 LMA (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1529

SCARCE MAUSER C96 SMALL RING HAMMER CARBINE WITH SLING SWIVELS.

SN 1013. Cal. 7.63 Mauser. This was the final form of Mauser’s standard production carbine. About 100 of these guns were assembled with most examples in the serial range 945-1050. This carbine has a 15-3/4″ bbl, dovetailed bead front sight, short extractor, a slip-in 50-500 rear sight with a full center line, a grooved cursor, standard follower, 2-lug firing pin, small ring hammer, and standard floorplate release. Usual Mauser address on top of the chamber; full SN is on left chamber flat and repeated on left rear frame and over the push button on the shoulder stock iron. The matching number is on the bolt stop, bolt, hammer and sub-frame. Two-line Mauser address on right side of frame. Smooth 6-3/4″ forearm and buttstock each fitted with orig sling swivel. Orig buttplate, with intertwined Mauser Werke initials within a central shield, secured by two screws. As an import from Germany, the push button on the lug was internally altered to prevent release, an issue that can likely be reversed by a competent gunsmith. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Overall VG, wherein much of the orig rust blue has faded, now appearing as a toned gray with scattered patches of oxidation, remnants of rust blue in protected areas. Approx 70% orig fire blue on small parts, except the buttstock lug where most of the fire blue has faded from upper and lower arms of lug. Forend and buttstock lightly re-varnished and with a few scattered handling dings. Bright bore with strong rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. A scarce, late production Mauser Carbine that is seldom offered for sale. 49828-32 LMA (9,500-15,000) – Lot 1530

MAUSER C96 SMALL RING HAMMER CARBINE, 9MM EXPORT, WITH INTERNAL FLOORPLATE RELEASE.

SN 1018. Cal. 9mm Export. This was the final form of Mauser’s standard production carbine. About 100 of these guns were assembled with most examples in the serial range 945-1050. Of these, relatively few were chambered for the 9mm Export. This carbine has a 15-3/4″ bbl, dovetailed bead front sight, short extractor, a slip-in 50-500 rear sight with a full center line, a standard cursor, grooved follower, 2-lug firing pin, small ring hammer, and an internal (inside trigger guard) floorplate release. Usual Mauser address on top of the chamber; full SN is on left chamber flat and repeated on left rear frame and over the push button on the shoulder stock iron. The matching number is on the bolt stop, bolt, hammer, sub-frame and floorplate. Two-line Mauser address is on right side of frame. Smooth forearm and buttstock each fitted with orig sling swivel. Orig buttplate, with Mauser Werke logo within central shield, secured with two screws. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Small Ring Carbine with 80-85% rust blue showing areas of touch-up, particularly over the frame, and broadly scattered flecks and patches of oxidation, especially over the chamber and on both arms of the attaching iron. Fire blued small parts retain about 50-70% orig finish, that equally applies to the straw on the trigger. Forend and buttstock retain much of their orig finish though areas near metal contact are oil darkened and all surfaces have a scattering of handling dings and nicks. Forearm has two very barely discernible cracks at rear, left side, adjacent to rail. Bright bore with strong rifling, mild oxidation. Perfect manual mechanics. Overall, a very nice Mauser carbine, one of the last to be made, in a scarce caliber with an unusual and desirable floorplate release. 49828-33 LMA (15,000-22,500) – Lot 1531

ULTRA RARE MAUSER C96 20-SHOT, DOCUMENTED SERIAL RANGE, WITH ORIGINAL 20-SHOT STOCK.

SN 8457. Cal. 7.63 mm. Mauser C96 20-shot with fixed mag is considered the Holy Grail for most Broomhandle collectors. Even better when coupled with an orig 20-shot stock. This extremely rare milled panel Conehammer is numbered in a narrow but well documented serial range. Standard features include a 5.5″ bbl with fixed front sight and slip-in 1-10 rear sight. Long extractor and independently secured firing pin. Usual chamber markings. Left side of bbl extension with Crown/Crown U proof. Antler acceptance on right side. The only marking on the frame is the full SN on the backstrap below the locking lever. The full SN or last few digits are repeated throughout on this matched pistol to include components of rear sight, bolt stop, firing pin retainer, firing pin, bolt, floorplate, all usually numbered parts of sub-frame, locking block and each of the grips. The unnumbered follower is a replacement. Major components are rust blued. Fire blued extractor, rear sight, bolt stop, firing pin retainer and safety. Hammer is grayed, trigger is polished in-the-white. Fitted with serrated walnut panels. Lanyard ring present. Complete with orig 20-shot stock as supplied to a later group of Flatside 20-shot pistols numbered 1-100 that were largely shipped to South America. The stock is numbered “40” with the SN appearing on the upper arm of the lug and inside the lid below the retaining spring. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Overall condition is very good whereby much of the bbl has been cleaned and touched up, in a manner that blends nicely into bbl extension that, together with the frame, are generally covered in a pleasant patina except for protected areas. Extractor, sight assembly and bolt stop retain portions of their orig finish with the firing pin retainer and floorplate plunger having been freshened. Most of the in-the-white parts, including the bolt, hammer, exposed sub-frame and trigger have been cleaned. Grips are oil darkened with a scattering of superficial dings. Dull bore with little discernible rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. Stock is in very good condition with several repairs along the lower spine and under the hinge; two neatly repaired hairline cracks on the upper spine. Hinge has been freshened as has the upper arm of the lug. Undoubtedly, one of the most charismatic ensembles in gun collecting! 49828-82 LMA (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1532

MAUSER C96 20 SHOT FLATSIDE WITH MATCHING STOCK IN PRESENTATION CASE.

SN 43. Cal. 7.63 mm. Mauser made 100 Flatside 20 shot Conehammers in a separate serial range numbered 1-100 whose features depended upon their production sequence. This mid-production pistol has a 5.5″ bbl with fixed front sight and a pinned 1-10 rear sight. Early bolt has a long extractor and an independently secured firing pin. Usual chamber marking with Crown/Crown U on left side of bbl extension. Antler proof on the right side. Later frame fitted with thin trigger, has the SN on the back strap just below the locking lever. All external numbers are matching with extended disassembly showing that the gun is matching throughout including the firing pin, 20-shot stock with matching number on upper arm of unique attaching iron having a broadly serrated plunger, on inner surface of wooden body near release latch and on lid under tension spring. Presented in a beautifully aged walnut case whose upper lid has a blank brass plaque and inletted for four burl panel inlays within a highlighted border. Lid lined in faded silk. Purple velvet base bordered with cord and compartmentalized for a pair of stocked 20-shot pistols, spare follower spring and 3 separate compartments that now contain a spare floorplate numbered “1674”, 4 stripper clips, a cleaning rod and a key. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Beautifully, but heavily reworked pistol now presents as new with virtually no discernible wear. All surfaces have been professionally freshened with flat planes and sharp edges. The markings on both sides of the bbl extension have been reapplied, as has the SN on the backstrap. The fire blue parts have been carefully reworked in the same manner, most with reapplied numerals, where they too now present as new. Hammer and sub-frame have been freshened, as have all attached small parts, including the locking lever that has been restrawed. The follower spring and both grips are replacements that have been numbered to match in a correct manner. Reproduction stock is of the highest quality and appears equally new with the bright fire blue of the lug and hinge showing no perceptible wear. Presentation case has been suitably aged for an item made over a century ago with chemical fading of the lid and mechanical distressing of the base. Spare floorplate is in good condition, now appearing as a grayed part with etching. Reproduction cleaning rod is as new. An extraordinary and impressive ensemble that can be purchased for just a fraction of the cost of an all original rig. 49828-4 LMA (9,500-16,500) – Lot 1533

EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND SUPER DESIRABLE MAUSER C-96 “SYSTEM MAUSER” STEP-BARREL WITH STOCK, PRESENTATION CASE.

SN 172. Cal. 7.63 mm. Extraordinary step-barrel C96 conehammer with 5.5″ bbl, fixed front sight and pinned 1-10 rear sight. Hand inscribed “SYSTEM MAUSER” on top chamber flat with large Crown/Crown/U proof on left side of chamber. Long extractor and separately secured firing pin. One of fewer than 200 assembled. Early features include solid rails, non-reinforced bbl extension and open island panels at rear of frame. Large hand inscribed “172” on backstrap below locking lever. Matching SN on sight bar, cursor and firing pin retainer. Disassembly shows all matching SN including the firing pin, follower, floorplate, all numbered components of sub-frame and locking block. Serrated wood grips each matched to the pistol. Original Lanyard ring. Complete with forced match Conehammer shoulder stock in which the matching number has been stamped on the upper portion of the hinge and lid under the spring retainer. Unnumbered stock lug with standard dimensions and no penciled numbers in lug recess. Presented in an impressive but recently constructed black leather bound case measuring 16.5″ x 12.5″ x 3″. Mounted on lid is unmarked oval plaque measuring 3″ x 1.5″. Lid is tastefully lined with maroon silk. Base lined in matching velvet and compartmentalized for high quality reproduction putzstock and 6 black leather reproduction ammunition cases. Including is key for the case latch. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Pistol with approximately 70-80% original rust blue with wear in expected areas of handling, particularly on the sharp edges, front of mag well and grip straps that have largely toned to a gray. Comparable condition fire blued small parts that show no suggestion of enhancement. Orig grips with re-cut serrations and borders. Dull bore with barely discernible rifling and shallow bulge near muzzle. Perfect manual mechanics. Near excellent Conehammer stock and hinge with faded unnumbered lug. Case extremely well aged with excellent interior having only minimal staining. Near new putzstock and reproduction ammo cases. An incredibly rare and orig C96, one of fewer than 200 made with a step-barrel, a fantastic find for any Mauser C96 collector, with accessories that should enhance its appeal. 49828-11 LMA (25,000-45,000) – Lot 1534

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RARE AND DESIRABLE C96 “SYSTEM MAUSER” SIX SHOT.

SN 214. Cal. 7.63 mm. Mauser made about 200 “System Mauser” guns, with a tapered bbl. This very scarce Conehammer, made with 6-shot frame, was, one of the first C96s to have grooved rails and hollowed grips. Features include a 4.75″ bbl, a front sight modified to have a dovetailed insert and a fixed rear sight. Long extractor and independently secured firing pin. Thin, contoured front strap. Narrow back strap that was never slotted for shoulder stock. “System Mauser” is hand engraved on top of the chamber. Crown/Crown/U on the left side of the chamber flat; no markings on the right side. The frame is externally devoid of markings. Disassembly shows all components numbered “214” the locking block having been cleaned. Each of the matching grips is internally recessed and bears a penciled numeration in addition to the stamped number. Lanyard ring present. Complete with an attache carrying case, bound in light brown suede leather, internally lined with luxurious fabric and secured by two brass clasps with a pair of keys retained with a key tab. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Approximately 85% orig finish with a few pinpoint oxidations under the finish in the recessed portion of the bbl extension suggesting a very limited touch-up, possibly at the same time the front sight was revised. There are no comparable concerns anywhere else. Brown patchy discoloration on the right side of bbl, extending underneath, with the same discoloration involving the extractor and the adjacent bolt. Excellent orig fire blue on the bolt stop, firing pin retainer, safety and grip screw. Crisp orig grips, slightly oil darkened with a scattering of handling dings. Generally bright bore with shallow rifling. Bolt is a little sticky, otherwise perfect manual mechanics. Included attache case presents near new. An extraordinarily rare “System Mauser” that should please virtually any collector. 49828-15 LMA (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1535

EXTREMELY SCARCE MAUSER CONEHAMMER, 6-SHOT WITH ADJUSTABLE SIGHT, MATCHING SHOULDER STOCK.

SN 3607. Cal. 7.63 mm. Standard configuration Mauser C96 6-shot Conehammer with 5.5″ bbl, having fixed front sight and slip in 50-500 rear sight. Long extractor, independently secured firing pin. Usual chamber marking with Crown/Crown U proof appearing on left side of bbl extension adjacent to Austrian proof that is underscored by the marking “1824/98” under the bbl, reflecting that this was the 1824th pistol proofed by Austria in 1898. The only marking on the frame is the full SN just below the locking lever. The full SN or last few digits appear on the sight bar, cursor, firing pin retainer, back of hammer, bolt stop. Major parts rust blued. Small parts fire blued with the hammer grayed and trigger in-the-white. Disassembly shows all small parts are correctly matched, including the locking block, all numbered components of sub-frame, follower and floorplate. Orig serrated wood panels each matched with number “3607”. Orig matching stock has been lightly revarnished. An oval silvered plaque on right side is marked “Kaiser Jubilaums Schiessen Berg Isel 1898” PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Approximately 98% high quality, professional rust blue restoration with minimal, artificially induced sharp edge wear. Fire blued small parts equally enhanced. Orig grayed hammer and brightly polished trigger. Bright bore with sharp rifling and only minimal oxidation. Perfect manual mechanics. Stock has two hairline cracks extending down the upper spine, otherwise in VG-excellent condition with looped hinge and lug retaining most of their orig fire blue. Excellent fit with minimal wobble. An extremely desirable variation whose rarity should easily eclipse the professional and restoration. 49828-56 LMA (6,000-9,000) – Lot 1536

ATTRACTIVE MAUSER C-96 CONEHAMMER, SIX-SHOT, FIXED SIGHT WITH STOCK.

SN 14286. Cal. 7.63 mm. Scarce Mauser C96 Conehammer, six-shot, with fixed rear sight, a few replacement parts, and an Imperial marked shoulder stock. Standard configuration six-shot with 4.75″ bbl and fixed front/rear sights. Usual Mauser address on chamber with left side of bbl extension marked with the Crown/Crown U proof. Antler acceptance on right side. Only marking on frame is full SN and Mauser acceptance on backstrap under the locking lever. The SN or the last few digits are repeated on the bolt stop and hammer. The bolt assembly is numbered “3638” with firing pin renumbered to “286” and firing pin retainer numbered “13622”. The follower and floorplate are correctly matching, as is the sub-frame, although the sear is numbered “861”. Each of the orig serrated grips is numbered to the pistol. No Lanyard ring. Major parts rust blued with fire blued extractor, bolt stop, firing pin retainer, and safety. Hammer grayed, trigger brightly polished. Complete with WWI era walnut stock having a hinge with no loop, Imperial marking below the hinge, and coarsely finished lug numbered “222”. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Approximately 95% of an old restored rust blue with slight fading, particularly inside the panels and on the right side of the frame. Most of the small parts have had their fire blue freshened. Even the trigger is now fire blued. Refinished grips with oil staining and a scattering of handling marks. Dull bore with shallow rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. VG-excellent stock with fading corresponding to areas of contact within leather carrier. Two hairline cracks on lower spine. No suggestion of hinge or lug enhancement. Overall, an unusual Conehammer whose scarcity should outweigh many of the restoration concerns; the later era stock being a nice bonus. 49828-96 LMA (4,500-9,000) – Lot 1537

INCREDIBLY RARE TURKISH CONTRACT CONEHAMMER, ORIGINAL FINISH, WITH MATCHING STOCK.

SN 917. Cal. 7.63mm. The Turkish Contract was Mauser’s first government contract sale of its C96. These Conehammers were assigned a separate serial range of 1-1000 and numbered in Farsi. To emphasize the crest of Sultan Abdul-Hamid II, then the ruler of Turkey, the milling on the left frame was modified to include a central island. Under the crest appear the numbers (1314), a date in the Islamic calendar, possibly when the order was placed. That converts to 1896 on the Gregorian calendar used in the West. As with all Turkish Contract C96s, this gun has a 5.5″ bbl and pinned 1-10 rear sight in Farsi characters. Usual chamber address. 6-pointed star on both the left and right side of the bbl extension. Turkish crest on the left side of the frame. Full SN in Farsi on the backstrap, just below the locking lever, and repeated back of the hammer, on the sight assembly, bolt stop and firing pin retainer. Detailed disassembly shows all matching parts, including the floorplate, follower, appropriate components of sub-frame, firing pin, bolt, and each of the grips, all with Farsi numbers. Orig lanyard ring. Accompanied by a later configuration shoulder stock, with two safety cut-outs in lid, having a matching lug. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: The gun retains over 70% orig blue, wear and sectors of patina in areas of usual contact, particularly in front of mag well and front and backstrap that have largely transitioned to a uniform patina. Smaller areas of pitting above each grip. Fire blued parts with 50-80% orig finish with comparable condition hammer and trigger. Grips lightly re-varnished over scattered surface dings. Generally bright bore with nicely defined rifling and minor oxidation. Perfect manual mechanics. Fair/good condition stock that appears dark with oil soaked discoloration, several cracks, and brown hinge. Exceptionally rare and desirable C96 whose impact would be greatly enhanced by replacing the stock with a correct type in better condition. 49828-30 LMA (10,000-20,000) – Lot 1538

*PHENOMENAL MAUSER C96 CONEHAMMER, FIXED SIGHT WITH MATCHING STOCK.

SN 9213. Cal. 30. High condition C96 fixed sight Conehammer, mid-production with standard 4-3/4″ bbl having a banded front sight and fixed rear sight. Long extractor and firing pin with separately inserted retainer. Standard Mauser address over chamber. “CROWN/CROWN/U” proof on left side of receiver; antler acceptance on right side of receiver. Full SN is repeated on bolt stop, firing pin retainer, hammer, and frame. Lanyard ring present. Detailed disassembly shows matching number on the follower, floorplate, and all normally numbered small components attached to the matching sub-frame. Varnished, serrated wood grips, each with the full SN on inner surface. Orig, matching shoulder stock whose lid has single cutout for safety, with fire blued lug and a looped hinge. PROVENANCE: The Frank H. Wheaton, III Collection. CONDITION: This extraordinary gun has 98-99% bright orig rust blue, except for a small area of thinning at the rear of the left side of the bbl extension. No significant wear under bbl or in front of magazine housing. Frontstrap has minor freckling but no discernible thinning. Bright trigger with negligible toning. Fading on the extractor, bolt stop and safety in usual areas of contact with no suggestion of touch-up. Grips retain most of their orig varnish with minor wear from careful use. Bright bore with light oxidation in the grooves. Perfect manual mechanics. Excellent shoulder stock with slightly oil darkened wood and a scattering of superficial dings. A hairline crack extends downward 4.25″ from the grip cutout. Most of the fire blue has faded from the lug that retains approximately 30% in protected areas. Overall, one of the best 10-shot Conehammers with fixed rear sight, particularly with matching stock, to be offered at auction in several years. 51516-11 LMA (7,500-12,500) – Lot 1539

*HISTORIC MAUSER C96, M1902 GERMAN TEST FLATSIDE.

SN 173. Cal. 7.63mm. This low SN German Test Flatside has the standard 5-1/2″ bbl with a fixed front sight and a slip-in 50-500 rear sight. Long extractor and single lug firing pin. Usual 3-line chamber address with full SN on left side of the chamber flat. Imperial Gewehrprufungskommission Crown/S acceptance marked on right side of the bbl extension and Prussian Eagle on lower flat. The only other external markings relate to the SN that is matched on all visible parts. Detailed disassembly shows all remaining parts with SN excepting an unmarked follower and an arguably renumbered floorplate. Most small parts fire blued. Orig serrated wood grips. No Lanyard ring. Complete with an attache carrying case, bound in light brown suede leather, internally lined with luxurious fabric and secured with two brass keyed clasps with a pair of keys retained by a matching tab. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Approximately 80-85% orig rust blue with thinning and scattered flecks of oxidation, particularly involving the front and back straps that have largely toned. Comparable fire blue on small parts that show no suggestion of enhancement. Same condition applies to strawed trigger and varnished grips that have some discoloration and a scattering of handling dings. Dull bore with easily discernible rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. Case is near new. An extremely rare and historic Flatside in a special German military test SN range, suitable for the most advanced collection. 49828-12 LMA (6,500-9,500) C&R – Lot 1540

Revised: 3/24/2017

Please Note: Great News! We have discovered the original matching stock. Please see the new images online.

WONDERFUL MAUSER C96 CONEHAMMER WITH STOCK.

SN 13553. Cal. 7.63 mm. Standard configuration late production Conehammer with 5.5″ bbl with fixed front sight and pinned 50-100 rear sight. Long extractor and independently secured firing pin. Standard chamber markings. Crown/Crown U proof on left side of bbl extension. Antler acceptance on right side. Full SN and Mauser inspection on backstrap just below locking lever. Full SN or last few digits repeated on rear sight assembly, firing pin retainer, bolt stop and hammer. All major components rust blued. Fire blued extractor, rear sight components, bolt stop, safety, firing pin retainer and grip screw. Serrated walnut panels. Lanyard ring present. Disassembly shows a matching follower and floorplate. Sub-frame, transfer bar and locking block are all matching, as is the bolt, firing pin and each of the grip panels. Heavily refinished and repaired stock with a 2.25″ x 3.5″ insert on the back face, hinge with missing loop and lug numbered “887”. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: Pistol with 97-98% bright orig rust blue with minimal sharp edge wear and slight fading of grip straps. Slightly bent extractor has 50% fire blue. Most of fire blue has faded from the cursor. Remaining components in excellent orig condition, as are the grips. Generally bright bore with shallow rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. VG refinished replacement stock that fits snugly to pistol. One of the better Conehammers to come to auction, a rig that could be easily upgraded with better stock. 49829-95 LMA (4,000-6,500) – Lot 1541

VERY DESIRABLE MAUSER C96 ITALIAN NAVY FLATSIDE WITH VERTICAL HAMMER MARKING.

SN 4895. Cal. 7.63mm. Italian Navy Flatside with 5-1/2″ bbl, fixed front sight, and slip-in 1-10 rear sight. Long extractor, single lug firing pin and large ring hammer. Usual chamber address with SN on the left chamber flat. “DV” on left side of the bbl extension and a Crown “AV” under the bbl as typical for Italian Navy pistols. The full SN is on the back of the frame just under the locking lever and repeated in full or in part on the rear sight assembly, bolt, bolt stop, vertically on the hammer, sub-frame and locking lever. Disassembly shows a matching follower and floorplate. All numbered components of the sub-frame are matching, as is the locking block. Single lug firing pin is numbered “3898”. Grips are matching. Lanyard ring present. Major components are rust blued. The extractor, components of rear sight, bolt stop and safety are fire blued. Hammer is grayed and trigger is strawed. Complete with an attache carrying case, bound in light brown suede leather, internally lined with luxurious fabric and secured with two brass keyed clasps. Included is a pair of keys retained by a suede tab. PROVENANCE: The Friedrich-Wilhelm Dauphin Collection – Germany. CONDITION: At least 90% orig rust blue with most wear involving the front and back straps that have largely toned with oxidative etching. The pistol must have been stored in a humid environment as most of the fire blued surfaces, along with the exposed in-the-white portions of the bolt, hammer and sub-frame, have transitioned to a mellow patina. Trigger with about 30% orig straw. Dark grips with a scattering of handling dings. Bright bore with good rifling and some frosting. Perfect manual mechanics. Case is near new. A nice representative military Flatside, all matching except for the firing pin, near the end of the Italian Navy contract, reflecting an unusual variation in hammer numeration. 49828-66 LMA (4,500-7,500) – Lot 1542