German C96 Broomhandle Bolo 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1923-30 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB250622BR022
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf A/N, Germany
Model: C96 Bolo
Serial Number: 593852
Year of Manufacture: 1923-30
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser Automatic)
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top flat of the barrel extension is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF AN” with “593852” on the side. The frame is marked, “MAUSER / 593852 / WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A NECKAR”. Not all serialized parts are non-matched to the receiver. There are various small proofs and part numbers throughout. There is an import mark on the barrel.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “V” notch rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is an inverted “V” notch integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ribbed wood panels. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The ribs are sharp. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition. These grips are reproduction replacements.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is very faintly visible. There heavy erosion and moderate pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 2/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are light scratches, thinning at the edges, and thinning at the grip frame. There are refinished over wear marks and pitting throughout. The action has moderate wear. The markings are completely worn. Overall, this pistol is in about Fair condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly as the hammer will not catch on the sear and the safety is loose. 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 German C96 Broomhandle Bolo in 7.63x25mm Mauser is an iconic and highly collectible early semi-automatic pistol, known for its distinctive design, innovative features, and historical significance. The Bolo variant, distinguished by its shorter barrel and smaller grip profile, was developed in the early 1920s in response to post-World War I restrictions that limited the barrel length of military handguns produced in Germany. Despite these limitations, the Bolo Mauser remained a favorite among military officers, revolutionaries, and adventurers worldwide, thanks to its high-velocity cartridge, robust construction, and unique aesthetics. Chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, this pistol delivers exceptional range, accuracy, and penetration, making it one of the most powerful and influential handguns of its era. One of the defining features of the C96 Bolo is its fixed magazine, loaded via stripper clips, rather than the detachable magazines found in later semi-automatic pistol designs. This feature, combined with the straight blowback action, results in smooth cycling and reliable function, even with high-velocity ammunition. The smaller Bolo grip and shortened 3.9- to 4-inch barrel make it more compact and easier to handle than the standard C96, contributing to its popularity among Russian Bolsheviks, from whom the “Bolo” nickname originated. The pistol’s all-steel construction and finely machined components showcase the precision German craftsmanship that made Mauser firearms legendary, while the integrated rear sight, adjustable for long-range shooting, is a testament to its intended use as a powerful sidearm.
For collectors, military historians, and enthusiasts of early automatic pistols, the C96 Bolo Mauser represents a significant piece of firearm history. Its unique design, historical associations, and finely crafted mechanism make it a highly desirable addition to any collection of early semi-automatic handguns. Whether valued for its historical connections to post-WWI Germany and the Russian Revolution, or appreciated as a well-engineered and accurate firearm, the Bolo variant of the Mauser C96 remains one of the most recognizable and respected pistols ever produced. -R.E.
