pre World War 1 Mauser Model 1896 pistol with stock

[Eaglelord17]

Apparently he carried one in the South Africa war.

The interesting read is how he used the C96 in the battle of Omdurman with the 21st Lancers. Apparently he was shooting left and right at point black range in the charge instead of using his sword (I believe his hand was wounded or something of that nature). Pretty exciting stuff.

[browningautorifle]

he was shooting left and right at point blank range

Well, that pistol would get it done...

[CINDERS]

Apparently captured twice and escaped twice there was a rumour that for his exploits in South Africa that Winston should have been awarded the Victoria Cross. Think I read that in a book solely on Winston Churchill his early life written by himself.

[RCS]

I believe during Churchill's time that the early Mauser Model 1896 was used, it was known as the "flat side" and "cone hammer" model by todays collectors

[Eaglelord17]

It would have been a very early C96, below the 10,000 range to say the least. Omdurman happened in 1898 so it would have had to be manufactured before then.

[browningautorifle]

Mauser Model 1896 was used, it was known as the "flat side" and "cone hammer"

a very early C96, below the 10,000 range to say the least. Omdurman happened in 1898

Agreed on all that. Still, guys do buy first run handguns, I know, I've done it myself.