Mauser C96 Broomhandle Wartime Commercial Semi-Automatic Pistol & Shoulder Stock 1915-20 C&R

SOLD FOR:$1,798

LSB#: 141029MD25

Make: Mauser

Model: 1896 Standard Wartime Commercial

Serial Number: 311759

Year of Manufacture: 1915-1921 (www.oldguns.net)

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum (This pistol was originally chambered in 7.62mm Mauser)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel/receiver at the chamber is marked “Waffenfabrik / Mauser / Oberndorf A/N”. The left side barrel/receiver diagonal is marked “311759”. The left front side of the receiver is marked with a double crowned “U”. The lock frame and the back of the frame at the top of the grips are marked “311759”. The right side of the frame is marked “Waffenfabrik Mauser / Oberndorf A. Neckar”. The flat on the bottom of the barrel is marked with an “X” and an “A”. The barrel just in front of the flat is marked with a script “u” over what appears to be a script “M”. The left side of the barrel is marked “9mm Parabellum” in large script. The underside of the barrel has an import mark: “Refurbished by FED ORD INC. – S.E.M. CA USA”.

Barrel Length: 5 3/16” (The Standard Wartime Commercial barrel length was 5.5”)

Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “V” notch rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-1000” as used on the Wartime Commercial production small ring hammer. The front sight is a fixed inverted “V” blade.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The aftermarket grips are walnut with 28 grooves. The grips show no marks (there are a few tiny marks which we think are manufacturing marks.) The serrations are sharp. The grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: The finish is blue. The hammer, the serrations on the bolt and the lock frame are Parkerized a light gray color.

Finish Originality: The finish is not original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its current metal finish. There are a few light marks in the on the right side of the receiver, and on the right side of the frame above the trigger. There are light compression marks, sanding marks and pitting under the finish in most areas. The serrations on the hammer show moderate wear and pitting, while those on the safety are relatively sharp. The markings are shallow except for the import marks and where the serial number was re-stamped into the back of the frame and the barrel. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine condition as refinished.

Mechanics: This pistol has the Neue Sicherung, or New Safety, that was first introduced on the Standard Wartime Commercial model. The hammer must be moved back beyond the cocked position to engage the safety. The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a wooden holster/shoulder stock. It is walnut with a smooth dark finish. It has a spring loaded metal clasp at the front that locks the stock into the dovetailed slot in the backstrap of the pistol. The rear has a push-button release hinged cover that covers the grip of the gun when used as a holster and serves as a buttplate when attached to the pistol. The release holds the cover securely. The hinge for the top has a loop on its back side for attaching to a belt. The stock appears to be recently manufactured and is in about Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm. This is a Standard Wartime Commercial, determined from the serial number and the “New Safety”. It has been re-barreled with a 5 3/16” 9mm barrel, refinished, and new grip panels added. The refurbishing was done by Federal Ordnance, and is so marked on the barrel. The pistol has about 99% of its new finish remaining, with only light marks on the right side of the receiver and frame. However, pitting, sanding marks and a few shallow compression marks can be seen under the current finish. The serial numbers are matching, but those on the barrel shoulder and back of the frame have been re-stamped. The pistol comes complete with a modern shoulder stock that appears a perfect duplicate of the original. This will make someone a nice shooter and an even better conversation piece when you take it out to the range. It would look fantastic in a lighted glass front case in your den or gunroom with the shoulder stock attached.

Mauser C96 Broomhandle Wartime Commercial Semi-Automatic Pistol & Shoulder Stock 1915-20 C&R
Mauser C96 Broomhandle Wartime Commercial Semi-Automatic Pistol & Shoulder Stock 1915-20 C&R