Mauser C96 'Red 9' Pistol

Mauser C96 semi-automatic pistol. Frame marked WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.NECKAR and the serial number is on the breech. A slot is cut into the back strap for the stock holster. Butt lanyard ring missing. The pistol grip is incised with a large red numeral '9', in filled with red paint. This denotes that the weapon is one of 150,000 C96 pistols chambered in 9mm Parabellum. This was undertaken by the Govermnment to offset the slow production of the standard-issue Luger P08 pistol. The number "9" warns the pistols' users not to incorrectly load them with 7.63 mm ammunition.

Part of the Robert Luks Collection. History unknown.