Imperial German Contract "Red Nine" C96
-- by Kyrie Ellis --

This page contains numereous photographs of the fameous German Imperial Contract "Red Nine" C96 Mauser pistol. It will provide a valuable reference of the characteristics and markings on these weapons.

Left side of an Imperial Contract "Red Nine" C96. During the Great War the
Imperial German Army contracted with Mauser for 150,000 C96 pistols, chambered
for the 9 m/m Parabellum (a.k.a. 9 m/m Luger) cartridge) Of this 150,000,
approximately 135,000 were delivered before the War's end.

Close up of the left side of the chamber of the Red Nine. Note
the serial number placement, and the commercial Crown over "U" proof.

Right side of the Imperial Contract "Red Nine" C96. Note Mauser
name and address in the frame panel, and the Imperial Army acceptance
stamp on the right chamber flat.

Close up of the Mauser name and address.

Close up of the Imperial Army acceptance stamp
on the right chamber flat.

Close up of the Imperial Army acceptance stamp;
the contrast of this photo has been adjusted to
highlight the mark.

Photograph of the rear of the Imperial Contract
"Red Nine" C96. Note the serial number placement
and the intertwined "N" and "S",
indicating the New Safety.

Top of the chamber, showing the Mauser name and address.

Close up of the top of the Imperial Contract "Red Nine" C96.
Note the bolt serial number and commercial proof, as well as
the 50 to 500 meter rear tangent sight.

Proof and inspection marks

The proofing of commercially sold (albeit sold to the German army) firearms was dictated by the German National Proof Laws. These proof marks are applied at one of the official Proof Houses established by the Proof Laws, once the firearm has passed proof. Firearms made specifically for the German Armed Forces were exempt for the National Proof Laws, and were proofed at the behest of and under the control the German Armed Forces. By and large, these proof marks are well known and easily recognized. There is an excellent book on this subject which I can highly recommend - "The Standard Directory of Proof marks (with WWII German Ordnance codes)" by Gerhard Wirnsberger and translated by R. A. Steindler. Inspection marks were applied at the factory. These indicate the manufacturer had examined the part (sometimes a part was inspected many times) and found it to be within tolerances. Military acceptance marks indicate the firearm (or part of the firearm) was inspected by military representatives and found to be in compliance with contractual obligations and acceptable for military use and issue.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Kyrie Ellis for supplying the photographs and the narrative text. Kyrie is the author of an excellent article about the Broomhandle Mauser pistol Kyrie can be contacted on the following email address : KYRIEELLIS@aol.com

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