French Gendarmerie Mauser C96 Broomhandle 7.63mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1922 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2500
LSB#: 210701DW10
Make: Mauser
Model: C96, French Contract
Serial Number: 433721
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1922
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 A/N”, the left shoulder is marked “433721” and the left has a crowned “U”. The right of the frame has “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. The top of the bolt stop is marked “3721”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “3721”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “3721”. The rear face of the frame is marked “433721”. The rear face of the lock frame is marked “433721”. The rear of the hammer has “NS” monogram (new safety) and “897216”. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “3721”. The sear is marked “721”. The inside of each grip panel is hand-scribed “X 433721”. The left of the frame is export-marked “Germany”.
Barrel Length: 4.9”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-500” 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 checkered black hard rubber with Mauser monogram logos at their tops. The grips show handling wear with a few areas worn smooth. There are some light nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with thinning at some edges, most notable on the edges of the barrel extension’s frame rails. The action has minor operational wear. There is some scattered minor erosion under the finish. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm. Its features are the most distinctive of any other pistol. In addition to being popularized in Soviet films as the iconic weapon of the Russian revolution and civil war, it was even used as a basis for futuristic weapons like the blaster used by Han Solo in Star Wars. This pistol was made around 1922 and is part of a scarce French contract. It’s more than a little bit ironic that France would contract with a German arms company to produce sidearms for their Gendarmerie, not only because of what had happened a few years earlier, but also due to what would happen a few years later. It’s not clear that this pistol was ever issued to the Gendarmerie as there was an over-run of pistols produced for the contract. They are distinguished by being in the 430,000 to 434,000 serial range, having a “Germany” export marking, and most distinctively, by having a 4.9″ barrel. It has all serial matching parts and looks great due to being refinished. It even retains a nice bore! This pistol will make a great addition to a collection due to the scarcity of examples from this contract, but it’s also not that common to find C96 pistols with bores this nice, and it could be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!