LOT Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc.  /  Auction No. 144. Rare and Historic Firearms!  / 

255

Important Cased Mauser Large Ring Flatside C96 Retailed by VL&D ID'd To Gen. J.H. Wilson with Stock

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:18,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Important Cased Mauser Large Ring Flatside C96 Retailed by VL&D ID'd To Gen. J.H. Wilson with Stock
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serial #21158, 30 Mauser, 5 1/2'' barrel with a bright excellent bore. This handsome 1899-made pistol is finely inscribed along the right side of the frame ''General J. H. Wilson / U.S.A.'', attributed to the long-serving and distinguished General James Harrison Wilson. He graduated sixth in the USMA class of 1860 out of 41 graduates, initially serving as an engineering officer during the Civil War before transferring to cavalry. Wilson rose very quickly through the ranks, already a brigadier general by 1863. Before transferring to cavalry, he served as inspector general in Grant's army, and after his transfer he showed great combat efficiency and skill routing the famed Confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest and his elite cavalry at both the Battle of Franklin in 1864 and later during Wilson's Raid in 1865. At the end of the war Wilson's troops were responsible for capturing Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Andersonville camp commandant Captain Henry Wirz. After the war, Wilson's rank reverted to lieutenant colonel and he would resign in 1870 to work in the railroad industry. A consummate patriot however, Wilson volunteered once more for service in the Spanish-American War in 1898, serving as major general of volunteers, and then again in 1901 during the Boxer Rebellion serving as brigadier general. In 1902 he had the honor serving as President Theodore Roosevelt's representative at the coronation of Edward VII. James H. Wilson died in 1925 at the age of 87 after such long and distinguished service to his country. Given the time frame it is equally possible that this pistol was presented to Wilson around 1902 in appreciation for his service or it was actually purchased by Wilson himself before his leaving for China to deal with the Boxer Rebellion. In any event it is fascinating to consider the career of such a general, serving during the American Civil War where in some cases even flintlocks were still in use, and ending his career with a semi-automatic pistol firing high-powered smokeless powder ammunition. Wilson's 1912 book ''Under the Old Flag: Recollections of Military Operations in the War for the Union, the Spanish War, the Boxer Rebellion, Etc.'' will no doubt prove for some more interesting reading. The pistol itself remains in very fine condition showing a bit of light honest use, retaining about 90% original blue with scattered toning to mild gray-brown patina under bright light, a little oxidation speckling and a few small dings along the right side of the frame. The trigger shows pale straw color while the remaining small parts retain about 90% brilliant fire blue showing just a little mild oxidation staining. The bolt is mostly bright and the hammer and fire control group are a mix of pale gray-brown and smooth gray case-hardening. All markings remain crisp and clear showing the proper period German proof marks, stamped VL&D New York retailer markings on the left side of the frame and the aforementioned fancy inscription along the right. The 23-groove walnut grips are stamp-numbered to the gun and remain in excellent condition showing just some scattered light handling marks. All of the serialized parts are matching and the lanyard ring is intact. The included original walnut holster-stock is properly stamp-numbered matching with the full serial number along the attachment hardware and remains in very fine condition showing some scattered light dings, two thin 1 3/4'' hairline cracks back from the hinge hardware and a small flake and crack at one corner near the grip opening. The hardware shows some old oxidation mostly toning to plum-brown patina with flashes of original bright blue in the more protected areas and the wood exhibiting some subtle areas of handsome grain figure. Naturally, the stock fits the pistol perfectly. The included fine black leatherbound period retailer case features double lockable catches and remains in very fine condition with scattered light flaking and edge wear along the exterior. The interior is lined in buff chamois that shows some mild honest soiling and discoloration from the years. It is fitted for the pistol housed in its stock along with a fitted area for a cleaning rod and stripper clip, a covered compartment, pair of keys, five black leather-covered ammunition cases and a thinner purple leather-covered case likely for a loaded stripper clip. Only a handful of these cases are known with other examples pictured on pages 187-189 of ''The Mauser Self-Loading Pistol'' by Belford and Dunlap. This is a truly superb ensemble that would make a fabulous addition to the most advanced of martial or semi-automatic pistol collections. (13F11770-4) {C&R} (25,000/30,000)
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