Haven't purchased much this year, been trying to let the bank account recover a bit, but I stumbled across some good finds on Gunbroker this week that I just couldn't pass up. Wasn't looking for any of these, but hey not going to complain because the prices were right.
First win is a gorgeous Mauser HSc rig. Aside from a touch of wear to the high points near the muzzle the high polish finish is flawless, the photos don't even come close to doing it justice. The seller had this simply listed as an HSc compact .32, and made no mention whatsoever that it's actually a tough to find 1st variation Nazi Army HSc. The eagle/655 waffenamt suggested that it would likely be either a first/second variation gun...the auction photos were crappy but I "thought" I could make out an eagle/swastika army test proof on the left rear tang, indicating a first variation. Turns out I was right! As a bonus it came with two correct early Mauser banner marked mags and a salty holster (turns out it's marked C Heinichen 1918 so not original to the Mauser, but they have clearly been together a long time). I jumped at the buy it now of $499 as I knew it wouldn't last long at all at that price once others figured out what is was.
First win is a gorgeous Mauser HSc rig. Aside from a touch of wear to the high points near the muzzle the high polish finish is flawless, the photos don't even come close to doing it justice. The seller had this simply listed as an HSc compact .32, and made no mention whatsoever that it's actually a tough to find 1st variation Nazi Army HSc. The eagle/655 waffenamt suggested that it would likely be either a first/second variation gun...the auction photos were crappy but I "thought" I could make out an eagle/swastika army test proof on the left rear tang, indicating a first variation. Turns out I was right! As a bonus it came with two correct early Mauser banner marked mags and a salty holster (turns out it's marked C Heinichen 1918 so not original to the Mauser, but they have clearly been together a long time). I jumped at the buy it now of $499 as I knew it wouldn't last long at all at that price once others figured out what is was.