Mauser C96 Red 9 9mm Luger Prussian Contract, NS Safety, Weimar 1920 Marked, 5.5 in Barrel
This WWI-era Mauser C96 Red 9 stands out as a Prussian Contract variant chambered in 9mm Luger with the updated Neue Sicherung (NS) safety. It carries Weimar "1920" property markings and Imperial acceptance stamps, with matching serials observed. The grooved wood grips feature the large red-painted "9" that defines this model, and the pistol retains its correct 5.5 in barrel and 10-round internal magazine.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Considering its age, this example is in great shape. Minor superficial scratches and blemishes are present. The bore is clean and shiny.
What's Included
- Mauser C96 "Red 9" pistol
- No detachable magazines included (fixed internal magazine loaded via stripper clips)
This Red 9 is a Prussian Contract Mauser C96 in 9mm Luger, produced circa 1916–1918 in Germany. The grips show the large red-painted "9" intended to distinguish 9mm guns from 7.63 variants in service. It features the slotted and lugged backstrap for a wooden holster/shoulder stock and a lanyard ring at the butt, consistent with military-issue configuration.
Markings are a strong highlight: Imperial crown-over-letter acceptance stamps are present on the chamber, and the frame bears the Weimar "1920" property mark. Manufacturer address markings are present. Matching serial numbers were observed (primary serial in the 75xxx range with short numbers 5195 on small parts), supporting its originality.
Mechanically, it uses the short-recoil, locked-breech system with a single-action trigger and the improved Neue Sicherung (NS) safety. The ring hammer carries the NS monogram. The internal 10-round box magazine is stripper-clip fed, as correct for the C96.
Sighting equipment includes a dovetailed front blade and a tangent rear sight graduated 50–500 m, with the scale specific to the 9mm configuration. The 5.5 in barrel and full-size steel construction maintain the classic handling associated with the "Broomhandle" profile.
Culturally, the Mauser C96 platform directly inspired Han Solo’s sidearm in Star Wars, which was based on a "Broomhandle" Mauser (not the Red 9 version). This connection adds broader historical interest to an already notable WWI-era sidearm.