Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle Large-Ring 7.63mm .30 Semi-Auto Pistol 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4083.43
LSB#: 230110SS005
Make: Mauser
Model: C96
Serial Number: 31643
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 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 A/N”, the left shoulder is marked with the serial number “31643”, the left has a crowned “U”, the right has an Oberndorf proof mark. The bottom of the barrel has inspection markings. The top-rear of the bolt has a crowned “U”. The top of the bolt stop is marked “643”, found again on the bottom of the rear sight arm and the rear face of the rear sight slider. The rear face of the bolt has “643”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “643”, found again inside the magazine floorplate, the top of the magazine follower, the side of the sear arm and sear, the rear of the lock frame’s retaining arm and the rear of the hammer. The rear of the frame and lock frame are each marked “31643”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “31643”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched rear sliding elevator sight with markings from 50-1000, 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. The grips have scattered light handling wear with some light nicks and scratches. The serrations are generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some parts In The White, a few small parts Fire-Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 7 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is finish wear on most raised features, each side of the magazine floorplate, and holster-wear along each side of the barrel. There are some scattered small nicks and scratches and some minor surface oxidation. The stock-slot shows wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good 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 with a wood stock-holster, marked “31670” on the mounting bracket. There are cracks around the top edge of the holster with scattered nicks and scratches. A decorative wire band has been mounted around the top of the holster.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm. Its features are very distinctive with its tangent rear sight, forward magazine, grasping tabs for the bolt and ring hammer. In addition to being used in the Great War, popularized in Soviet films as the iconic weapon of the Russian revolution and civil war, it was also used as a basis for futuristic weapons like the blaster used by Han Solo in Star Wars. This pistol was made around 1902, during a period of design updates and changes. Known as a “Large Ring” among collectors, this pistol has some early features including the first styles of safety and extractor. The distinctive Large Ring hammer followed the “Cone Hammer” and preceded the small ring hammers which would be used for most of production. Most C96 pistols of this era show quite a bit more wear, due to both their age and being produced during, and frequently used for, some of the most devastating conflicts of the 20th century. This example is in quite nice condition, especially compared to most other specimens, retaining about 75% of its metal finish, a decent bore, strong mechanics, and all-matching serial numbered parts. For the collector missing a Large Ring C-96, this is a great find and may even replace a lower condition one already in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
