Mighty Fine Red Nine

Imperial Arms · 07-22-2007, 02:26 AM

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

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

07-22-2007, 02:26 AM	#14
Imperial Arms Banned Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Malta, EU Posts: 579 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	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 May I recommend that your read my article on this forum regarding details to observe when examing any pre-WWII pistol