Looking for some assistance from C-96 Mauser experts

[Gryphon Energetics]

If anyone here is reasonably knowledgeable enough on the C-96 Mauser pistol, most especially concerning date of manufacture, please PM me. There is a very early conehammer gun (serial 28XX and all matching) that the owner would like to have lettered and all evidence points to it being 1897 manufacture, but any sort of additional supporting documents or information would be gratefully appreciated. As mentioned in other threads here, the RCMP do not seem to be especially consistent with respect to affirming antique status on these old gals. Many thanks.

 

[NavyShooter]

The year of manufacture for serial number 2899 is 1897.

The center section of the rear panel on the left side of the frame is not milled out. This area is sometimes used for special markings.

Military ''Red 9'' pistols had a separate serial number range (1-150000) and were manufactured between 1916 and 1918.

 

[NavyShooter]

The year of manufacture for serial number 2801 is 1897.

The center section of the rear panel on the left side of the frame is not milled out. This area is sometimes used for special markings.

Military ''Red 9'' pistols had a separate serial number range (1-150000) and were manufactured between 1916 and 1918.

 

[NavyShooter]

Sourced from this website: 1897 seems to be the year of manufacture for this serial number range, according to this source.

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/c96lookup.php

 

[NavyShooter]

http://askmisterscience.com/1896mauserbackup/index.html

http://www.northwest-denture.com/mauser1896/pe8.htm

 

[Gryphon Energetics]

Thanks very much for the links, they are very handy. Do you know however if the RCMP might acquiesce to the data they provide?

 

[del3840]

They have one source they reference so not very open mined to others. You can tell them you know someone (me) that had an antique one with serial number 3172 and FRT# 28788-10

 

[KotKotofeich]

Following. There's a member here who followed up with RCMP and got definitive answers. Your serial is definitely within the antique range. I hope he will see this thread.