Mauser C96 Broomhandle Cone Hammer 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $4,100.00
LSB# LSB260311BS001
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf A/N Germany
Model: C96
Serial#: 11260
Year of Manufacture: 1897 / Antique
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N” with a commercial proof. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “11260” on the locking block lug. All parts, including the internals, are serial matched. There are various commercial proofs throughout. The holster is marked “23930” on the locking tab and the holster leather sleeve is marked, “R Kuhlewein&Co. 1917 Erfurt”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a raised blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent leaf marked 50-500 in increments of 50m.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ribbed walnut panels screw set to the frame. There are scratches, pressure dents, and a few flat spots. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as Antique. The holster has several scratches and pressure dents throughout. The top piece has a large crack. The leather is moderately worn. Overall the holster is in Good condition. The holster is not original to this pistol.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion and spots of pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8.5/10 as an Antique.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The leading edges are worn along with spots of thinning mostly concentrated on the barrel. There are small rust freckles and light patina throughout. The action shows light wear. The internals have light wear. The grip screw head is moderately tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall this pistol is in Very Good + condition as Antique.
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 and Accessories: Wood holster/leather holster straps.
Our Assessment: This Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” pistol was manufactured in 1897 at the Waffenfabrik Mauser works in Oberndorf and represents an early production example of one of the first widely successful semi-automatic pistols. The C96 design quickly gained worldwide recognition after its introduction in the late 19th century, distinguished by its integral box magazine ahead of the trigger guard, long receiver profile, and distinctive grip shape that earned the “Broomhandle” nickname. Early cone hammer variants such as this one fall within the formative years of C96 production and reflect the early commercial configuration produced for international civilian and military markets. The pistol retains the classic 5 1/2 inch barrel configuration and the tangent rear sight graduated from 50 to 500 meters. This pistol is chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, also known as .30 Mauser, a high-velocity cartridge developed specifically for the C96 platform. The bore is semi-bright with pronounced rifling and light erosion along with scattered pitting, earning a rating of 8.5 out of 10 for an antique firearm. The pistol retains approximately 90 percent of its original blued finish with edge wear and thinning most noticeable on the barrel along with scattered rust freckling and light patina. The ribbed walnut grip panels remain in Very Good condition with typical handling marks but no structural damage. All numbered components, including the internal parts, remain matching to the receiver.
This pistol’s action functions correctly and the internal components show only light operational wear. The commercial Mauser Oberndorf address marking and proof marks remain clear and legible. The pistol is accompanied by a wooden shoulder stock holster with leather harness marked “R Kuhlewein & Co. 1917 Erfurt,” though the holster is not original to the pistol and shows moderate wear including a crack in the lid. Overall, this 1897 Mauser C96 stands as an early production example of one of the most iconic semi-automatic pistols ever produced, combining matching numbers, strong finish retention, and the distinctive cone hammer configuration from the earliest years of C96 manufacture. -R.E.