That is a nice specimen. It is a model 1930, which was the last of the run for the c96's. The Mauser C96 has the distinction of being the first commercially successful self loading pistol in the world. There were other attempts at self loading pistols, such as the borchardt, but they were not practical. The Mauser, although somewhat unwieldy itself did attain a commercial success. If anything it's got to be perhaps one of the most intimidating looking pistols ever made!
Although it was successful, it was never as popular as some of the competitors which were developed shortly thereafter. I beleive Mauser made over 50 changes to the pistol during its production in order to improve sales. Many of the changes were to reduce weight or simplify production.
After WWI Germany was restricted on the length they could manufacture pistol barrels. I beleive this was 100 mm, or about 4". This eliminated production of the standard C96, however short barreled models and the Bolos were OK.
The model 1930 was one of Germany's rebellious acts around the treaty of Versailles, an so Mauser decided that barrels could be measured at the end of the chamber rather than at the breech, thus the almost original barrel length on the 1930. There were some other minor changes, such as the different looking safety, and no longer was every part stamped with the serial number, however the larger parts did retain numbers.
Unfortunately by the 1930's the C96 sales just couldn't keep up with more modern weapons, and in 1934 Mauser discontinued production.
I think yours is in very nice condition, the finish is all original. I have a 1930, it's in pretty good shape, but has been refinished but shoots well. I had it rehired to 9mm. This will reduce collectors value but I wanted to shoot it. They are very accurate pistols, albeit a bit uncomfortable to shoot. Those frankenlugs at the back kind of bite. If you choose to shoot it, be kind to it, and don't run surplus Russian machine gun ammo through it or tokarov ammo. It's too hot. The Mauser cartridge is fairly mild. One of the weal parts on this pistol is the bolt stop. Parts are hard to find.
If you can find one, one of the better books is called The Mauser Self Loading Pistol by Belford and Dunlap. The book is out of print now, so they've gotten expensive, but they've got some very nice photos and information.
Congrats.
