Mauser Model 1896 C96 Broomhandle 7.63mm .30 Semi-Auto Pistol 1899-1902 C&R Slab Side Flat Panel Large Ring Four-Groove 5 1/2″

Sold For: $3,700

LSB#: 200829RR05

Make: Mauser

Model: 1896

Serial Number: 26378

Year of Manufacture: 1899-1902

Caliber: 7.63mm Mauser

Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel extension’s chamber ring is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF/N”, the left shoulder is marked “26378”, the left has a crowned “U”, the right has an Oberndorf proof. The bottom of the barrel has inspection markings. The right of the frame has “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”. The top of the bolt stop is marked “378”. The rear face of the bolt is marked “378”, the bottom of the bolt has a double-crowned “U”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “378” and the sides of the sear and sear arm are marked “378”. The rear face of the lock frame stop is marked “378”. The rear face of the frame and the rear face of the lock frame are each marked “26378”. The rear of the hammer has “378”. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “378” as is the top of the follower. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “26378”.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut panels with 23 horizontal serrations each. The grips have light handling wear with a few light marks and wear on the bottom from the lanyard ring. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The four-groove rifling is well defined. There is light erosion scattered through the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is in light handling wear in the grip straps as well as wear at the stock slot. There is some light erosion on the grip frame under the grip panels, concealed when assembled. There are a couple of spots of minor erosion on the left of the barrel assembly straight above the trigger. The barrel has some scattered light scuffs and the smooth side faces of the frame show a few light scratches. The bolt stop retains good fire-blue and the trigger has strong straw coloring. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a wood stock/holster. The stock/holster is not numbered to the pistol, so it should be used as a holster only. The stock/holster has a crack across the release-button hole which has been repaired and some scattered nicks, scratches and scuffs. There is a marking on the body of the holster below the hinge which appears to be a crowned script letter, such as an Imperial German acceptance mark. Overall, the holster is in about Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is a pistol with a very distinctive appearance and a distinguished history. Early production of the 1896 saw a host of variations which make them a prime candidate for collectors. In addition to contracts for a number of different militaries, use in famous conflicts including The Great War, there were production changes throughout the first years which give the collector a number of different versions to find. This example was made between 1899 and 1902. It has the flat-sided or “slab-side” frame which was introduced for an Italian Navy contract and continued for commercial production for a few years after, early four-groove rifling, early long, thin extractor, and “large ring” hammer. This example is also in Fine condition with all-matching numbered parts. While there were many 1896 pistols made, this variation is not particularly common and this example is in uncommonly good condition. It will make a fantastic addition to any collection, even those which are quite advanced. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible pistol CAN be transferred in California and CAN be sold to a California resident as a private party transaction (PPT) at our shop in Simi Valley. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state buyers.