Posted: 8/5/2007 4:43:44 AM EDT
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I purchased a Red 9 Broomhandle with Nazi Proofs. Does anyone know where I can find 9mm stripper clips so I can feed the Red 9? It is getting hungry. I can post some pictures of it Dane [email protected] |
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A Red 9 Broomhandle with Nazi proofs? Hm. The majority of Mauser 1896's were produced prior to 1936, and as such, wouldn't be Nazi marked. The "Red 9" pistols were actually WW1 vintage- "During World War I the Imperial German Army contracted Mauser for 150,000 C96 pistols, chambered for the 9 mm Parabellum. This variant was named the "Red 9" after a large number "9" burned and painted in red into the grip panels, to prevent the pistols' users from loading them with 7.63 mm ammunition by mistake. Of the 150,000 commissioned, approximately 135,000 were delivered before the war ended. This was the only time in which the C96 was ever used officially by the German military. As to Mauser stripper clips? There were a few loating around for sale last fall, but they seem to have dried up. Check Numrich, as occasionally, they'll have some. |
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I very familiar with the history of the Broomhandle and the Red 9s. Yes most were produced in WWI. There were Red 9s issued by the German Army in WWII or carried by WWI Veterans. The ones issed in WWII were Waffen Proofed. "WWI German Army Contract" AKA "Red Nine" During WWI, Mauser secured a contract with the German army for 150,000 C96 pistols chambered for the 9 m/m Luger cartridge. Approximately (sources differ) 135,000 - 150,000 of these pistols were delivered before the end of WWI. Whether the pistols were supplied by Mauser with the Red Nine already etched into the grips, or the "9" was added by army depot personnel is disputed. The pistols from this contract may also be identified by having both a serial number between "1" and "150,000" and (generally) the Imperial Army acceptance mark on the right, front, barrel extension flat. Many examples have been observed to have the Prussian Eagle stamp, generally on the front of the magazine. C96 pistols which have WWI Imperial German Army acceptance markings, may be chambered for either the 9m/m Luger or the 7.63 Mauser cartridge, and do not fall into this 1-150,000 serial number range are known to exist. It is supposed that these acquired by the German Army for private sale to officers or issue to senior enlisted men. Examples of this sub-variation have been noted in the serial number range 287,000 to 434,000. In WWII 7,800 Broomhandle pistols were Purchased by the Luftwaffe in 1940. Examples in the serial number Range 830,000 to 930,000 are reported. Markings include the Army test Proof on the left side of the chamber. This is a generally accepted Contract. My neighbor was a German Soldier in WWII. They were allowed to carry personal weapons but in order to do so they were required to have them inspected by the Armorer. The Armorer would proof the pistols as an acceptance mark. Many WWI soldiers carried their issued Red 9s into WWII and had them proofed. In fact my neighbor told me he had a commercial 32 ACP pistol proofed by a German Armorer when he was stationed on a ship prior to being sent to the Eastern Front. He was not allowed to leave his ship for leave in a foreign port unless he was armed. The Navy would not provide these personal weapons so every soldier and/or sailor would buy something to carry. They had to be proofed by the Armorer. In order to leave the ship for leave he had to show his weapon. My Red 9 was inspected by a group of Dealers who specialize in German Machine Guns and Pistols. They agreed that this Red 9 I have is Waffen Proofed. There is an Eagle with a Swastika under it on the Left side of the Barrel Chamber and Bolt Slide. They have seen these proofed before and told me they are very rare. They also told me I would have no problem selling it for $2,500 to a Collector. If it had the original stock and harness it could sell between $3,500 and $4,000. Dane |