Mighty Fine Red Nine
 

I just got this complete Red Nine rig yesterday. Bore is near mint. All serial numbers matches which was a relief when I took it apart last night. Their are no markings on the outside of the stock other than the serial number. Their is which I believe is a P stamped inside of the stock. Interesting German name on the inside of the holster. After doing some research I discovered that this serial number was near the end of the 1918 production run. And noticed it has the expected 23 grooves per grip side. I think this is the nicest complete Red Nine rig I have seen so far. And am very excited to have it. Opinions and questions are most welcome.

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It's beautiful, really beautiful.

Hello Tenbears,

It is very difficult to make a comment based on images, but I have a very strong suspicion that you 'Red 9' C96 has received a professional restoration (on the blued parts). I would like to make the following comments:

1) The condition of the grips is inconsistent with the condition of the blued metal. Specifically, a 'Red 9' C96 in that 'perfect' condition would still have some reddish paint in the '9'. Your pistol has hardly any red paint remaining in the figure '9' which has obviously been removed by excessive handling (i.e sweat and friction) before the pistol was reblued;
2) The parts with fire blue (i.e extractor and locking lug) shown no wear whatsoever - that is IMPOSSIBLE for a military gun even if it was never used during two world wars. It appears like this pistol left the Mauser factory yesterday. I am attaching an image of a genuine 'Red 9' C96 in top condition and notice the overall consistency of the entire rig in the image. It has edge wear; the fire blue parts show discoloration and fading, including the locking lug which has lost nearly all its fire blue; and the machine marks are clearly visible and sharp.
3) I do not see any patina on your pistol or the attaching iron.

I am sorry to disappointment you, but do not let your eyes mislead you from the truth of natural age and history.

Albert

http://forum.lugerforum.com/lfupload/red9rig.jpg

May I recommend that your read my article on this forum regarding details to observe when examing any pre-WWII pistol

I have my doubts about the finish being original too. But I don't really care. If it is, it's been done right

A simply beautiful Mauser... thanks for sharing.

Belive it or not but today was the first time I looked at this pistol in broad day light. Their is no doubt that the finnish is orginal. Thanks for the replies.