MAUSER C 96 “ROTE NEUN” Cal. 9×19 Parabellum

The Mauser C96 “Red 9” (“Rote Neun”) is one of the most famous and valuable variants of the C96 “Broomhandle” family. The example pictured also includes the original wooden holster stock, which considerably increases its collector interest. The Mauser C96 was introduced in 1896 and became one of the world's first successful semi-automatic pistols. Owing to its distinctive grip, it earned the nickname “Broomhandle” (en.wikipedia.org). The “Red 9” variant appeared during the First World War, when the Imperial German Army ordered around 150,000 C96 pistols chambered in 9×19 mm Parabellum to supplement the insufficient production of the P08 Luger (en.wikipedia.org). To prevent accidental loading with 7.63 Mauser ammunition, a red-painted “9” was applied to the grip panels — hence the name “Red 9”.
The example pictured has original Red 9 grips; a correct WWI configuration, a genuine and very well-preserved wooden holster stock (many have reproduction grips and many stocks are modern copies), a naturally patinated finish, a coherent overall appearance, unrestored, with credible wear for a WWI front-line weapon.
Estimated market value (2025)
Mixed parts / refinished 2,000 – 3,500 €
Genuine Red 9, major parts original 4,000 – 7,000 €
All matching + stock with matching serial 7,000 – 12,000 €
Complete premium WWI rig 12,000 €+