Extraordinarily RARE Experimental Prototype Josef Nickl Patent Mauser M1916/22 9MM Pistol

S# 40 | Chambered in 9mm Nickl or also known as 9mm Short (a reduced rim 9mm Kurz case) | This is an EXCELLENT example of an extremely rare Mauser prototype of the rotating barrel models with limited production. With not more than 50 ever made in all configurations, this is number 40! Not many have even come to the light and hit the market; they are tucked away in private collections where they could remain a lifetime, so take advantage of this one, because you may not see another! This rotating barrel (Steyr pattern) design was actually developed by Josef Nickl at the Czech Bruno factory that was produced by the Mauser factory on a strictly experimental prototype basis only. It is almost identical to the Czech model 1922/24 semi-automatic pistol but considerably larger in size. It is in fact, the predecessor to a historic lineage of CZ Pistols. The serial number of this unique pistol is "40” and it is correctly numbered on the rear of the frame, the top of the slide, the front barrel bushing, the underside of the side plate, and take down lever, and appropriate internal parts. The magazine is unmarked but due to the limited production amount and the extremely limited examples we have seen in today’s market, we do not know for a fact that all the magazines were numbered. We do know it requires a certain type of magazine to release the slide lock mechanism in which this one does so. The left side of the frame is marked with a large "N" which stood for the Nickl Patent followed by the Mauser Banner and the 2-line address “Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. / Oberndorf a.N.” located on a the removable side plate. Another interesting and unique key to mention on this pistol specifically, there is a Eagle/N (Nitro) pressure proof mark visible on the right side of the trigger guard. This is the only example of a Nickl Mauser with this exact proof mark that has been seen. This proof wasn’t used until after Jan. 15th 1940 so we can only assume it was kept in storage for quite sometime before actually being sold in the commercial market. It is fitted with a one-piece set of wrap-around style walnut grips with fine cut checkering on each side. The pistol has a rust blue finish with a straw colored hammer. |||| Condition: Excellent. 99% of the original blue finish overall with only very minor edge wear/light oxidation spotting on slide. The walnut grips are also in excellent condition with most of the original varnish overall with nice distinct checkering, showing some small handling marks on the right side. Mechanically functions excellent, and has an excellent bore with strong rifling. |||| Certification: Mauro Baudino with the Paul Mauser Archive has done some digging and personally wrote up a certification for this pistol, which is included. The winner will receive the physical certification papers, as well as digital, and we will offer to add your name to the certification at request.