C-96 Mauser Question

[Westmark]

Question for the forum:
How common is it to find now the wooden stock/holster to have the same serial number as the gun? I know they were made to be together, but is it uncommon to find them still matching? Also does anyone have pics of an original harness set that they would not mind sharing? Thanks as always.
Best regards,
Todd

[hochadler]

In addition to any collector responses, you may wish to review:
http://www.1896mauser.com/

[MikeP]

I don't have any statistics to define "common."

I have owned a couple matched rigs and seen quite a few.

They are out there.

For many years the combination was considered illegal in the US and some sets were confiscated or separated to avoid confiscation.
Also the numbered irons were discarded.
They are curios today and legal.

Likewise you can stock an artillery or naval luger but not a short one.

[phild]

I agree with MikeP on all counts, but I will add a bit more of my observations.

As far as I know only the German military Mausers and perhaps the foreign contract ones as well had numbered stocks. I could be wrong on that as I know little of the commercial ones, but I do know that most of the post 1930 Mauser stocks that I see (commercial not the SF military contracts) are un-numbered. I have not paid any attention to early commercials to know one way or the other, but I see early commercial stocks without numbers..when I see them.

I do agree that German Military Mausers were issued with matched numbered stocks...what % were able to maintained with them by the Germans...esp. after WWI is anyone's guess.

I would guess that these days about 20% of the stocked Mauser rigs that I see are originally matched...it seems higher for broomhandles than for Art. Lugers...at least too me. I would also say that a nice condition broomhandle (say a red 9 with 95% blue) matched stock and full leather harness with rod, START at around 4k. Some may find them cheaper, but I would doubt it these days. A set in the same condition but with mismatched stock might start about 25% less.

[Westmark]

In addition to any collector responses, you may wish to review:
http://www.1896mauser.com/

Hochadler, Excellent site! Mike and Phild also thank you for the excellent info! There is a Mauser I am looking at what appears to be a pre-war commercial that is chambered for 9mm. The blueing is difficult for me to assess, it appears grey, if that makes sense. The blueing from my recollection is maybe a conservative 75-80% The shoulder stock, at the wrist iron, shares the same last three digits as the gun. The gun itself is all matching. There is a harness that comes with the gun, unfortunately no cleaning rod, and appears original from samples I have seen, but as this is not my expertise I would like to see more examples of original harnesses. I know it is hard to say, but what would one say this rig as described would go for? I have already placed it on lay-away, but would like to know if the price I am paying is in the ballpark. After finising payment and waiting the 10 day waiting period I will post pics.
Best regards,
Todd

[Westmark]

My harness looks identical to this one. http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...Mauser+harness
The leather seemed to be "hard" if that is a good word. Is is date stamped, just like this example, I can't recall the firms name, but the city was Berlin and I believe the date was 1912. i know having photos would be much better, But I won't ave the gun for maybe three weeks. All help is appreciated.
Best regards,
Todd

[Westmark]

Any one have pics of an original harness? what would the selling price be for an original harness in good condition?
Best regards,
Todd