Red Nine C96
 

Greetings all.

I know this a Luger forum but still I do read some C96 threads so please forgive this daring inquiry... I´ve been offered this nearly mint all matching Red Nine. Blue seems to be excellent...There is no stock available...

Since I am not an expert in C96s my concerns are as you may expect:

Original or reblue?
Estimated value?
Correct markings?

Thank you very much for your help...

Pablo

Hello Pablo ! I'm NOT a Broomhandle expert either, however from the reasearch I've done before buying mine I've learned a few things. The presence of the 500 meter rear sight IS correct for an original 9mm variant (7.63mm sight was marked to 1000 meters and is the quickest sign that it's probably a re-bore). I also believe that the magazine follower is shaped differently for the 9mm. Could be the lighting and quality of your photos but the edges look a little "soft" like it was buffed, also the rear sight "ladder" should be in the "white", therefore refinished. Value, my guess $600-800 USD. Condition of the bolt stop and it's slot in the receiver is where most Brooms fail.
Go to www.1896mauser.com for good tech advice, but DO NOT visit the open forum section as it is infected. YMMV Joe

Thanks Calibrator. From my research I also think that rear sight blade should be in the white. I have not held this C96 with my own hands so I cannot tell for sure but the edges look a little bit rounded also. Let's hold it on probation...

Pablo.

Pablo, In addition to the above, the grips appear to be repros (originals will have the full serial inside both sides) and the finish appears to be a hot dip, vise the original rust blue. The original Red 9s were in the own serial numbered range of 1 to 147xxx. TH

trigger, rear sight , locking bolt (outside of receiver at right rear), safety lever,extractor, should be fire blued. The rear sight then is polished white on top with the fire bluing remaining in the numbers, on both side, on bottom and on rear blade.

Looks original to me. Super clear close-up photos of left side Mauser proof and right side Military acceptance stamps will tell.

looks refinished...one area to scrutinize on C96s is where the top of the grips meet the frame...this area often has pitting (as does yours)... it appears the pits are blued over, original finish would show roughness and rusting in the pits