Chinese Export German Broomhandle Mauser M1930 9mm, 1930s C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,451.00
LSB#: LSB260416SS006
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N, Germany, Chinese Export
Model: 1930, 4th Variation
Serial Number: 885651
Year of Manufacture: 1930 – 1937 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger (Most Likely Bored Out From 7.63×25)
Action Type: Single Action Short Recoil Semi–Auto Pistol with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel extension is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N” with a crown over “U” proof. The underside of the barrel has station marks. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “885651”. The bolt has a crown over “U” proof. The left side of the trigger housing is marked with the third variation Mauser banner, and the right side of the housing is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.NECKAR D.R.P.u.A.P.” All serialized parts are matched.
Barrel Length: 140mm, 5.5” Approximate
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Type-E V-notch sliding tangent leaf marked out to 1000.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece reproduction serrated walnut Red-9 panels. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts are Fire-Blued and some are Polished/Left In The White.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10 for a C&R.
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 1950s.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The action has light wear. The grip screw is sharp with a strong slot. The markings are somewhat blurry. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good to Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. The follower is a 7.63 style.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 5x Stripper clips.
Our Assessment: The Mauser Model 1930 Broomhandle represents one of the most iconic military and commercial pistols ever produced. Descended from the legendary C96 design introduced in the late 19th century, the Model 1930 continued the evolution of the platform and became especially popular in China, where Mauser pistols were widely sought after by military officers, warlords, and civilian purchasers. The distinctive profile, integral magazine, and tangent rear sight helped establish the Broomhandle as one of the most recognizable handguns in firearms history. Chinese demand for Mauser pistols was so substantial that many examples saw extensive use and modification during their service lives. This example remains particularly attractive due to its matching serialized components and strong overall condition. The pistol retains approximately 98% of its refinished finish with only minor handling wear visible throughout. The bore remains a strong point, exhibiting bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only minor fouling present, supporting its 9 out of 10 rating. The pistol is currently configured in 9mm Luger and appears to have most likely been converted from its original 7.63x25mm chambering, though this cannot be conclusively confirmed. The reproduction Red-9 style walnut grips complement the pistol’s current configuration while remaining easily distinguishable from original factory Red-9 components.
Altogether, this Mauser Model 1930 represents an interesting and highly collectible example of one of the most influential semi-automatic pistols ever produced. The matching numbers, Chinese export history, Mauser commercial markings, and unusual 9mm configuration make it especially appealing to collectors of early military and commercial automatic pistols. Accompanied by five stripper clips and exhibiting strong mechanical and cosmetic condition, this Broomhandle remains an excellent representation of the famous Mauser C96 family that left a lasting mark on firearms history around the world. -R.E.