The 'System Mauser' C96 represents the absolute earliest production run of the iconic Mauser pistol, limited to approximately 200 units. These early examples feature distinct characteristics such as fine checkered walnut grips, a stepped barrel profile, hand-engraved markings on the first 400 units, and a single-lug locking block. Later production runs, including the 'Cone Hammer' variants, introduced significant simplifications and mechanical changes, making the System Mauser exceptionally rare and valuable to collectors.
This review details a rare 20-shot C96 'Broomhandle' Mauser variant, an early experimental model produced between 1897-1899. With only 188 units made, it features a fixed 20-round magazine and an early 'cone-style' hammer. Despite its historical significance, the design proved impractical due to weight, balance, and cumbersome reloading with stripper clips.
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