Chinese Shanxi Type 17 Broomhandle Mauser .45 ACP & Holster, 1930s C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,000.00
LSB#: LSB260416SS011
Make: Shanxi Arsenal, China
Model: Type 17
Serial Number: 636
Year of Manufacture: 1928 – 1931 / C&R
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Short Recoil Semi–Auto Pistol with Internal Magazine Fed By Stripper Clips.
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “636”. The sides of the trigger housing is marked with Chinese script. All serialized parts are matched. The grip frame has an import mark.
Barrel Length: 5 5/8” Approximate
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch sliding tangent leaf marked out to 1000.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut panels. There are light scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no cracks but there are small chips throughout. Overall the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts are In The White.
Finish Originality: Original
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.
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 90% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks, scratches, spots of rust, and light patina throughout. The action has moderate wear. The grip screw is lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition. The holster is in Very Good to Excellent condition.
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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 3x Stripper clips, wood holster.
Our Assessment: The Chinese Shanxi Type 17 is one of the rarest and most historically significant variants of the Mauser Broomhandle family. Produced by the Shanxi Arsenal under the direction of warlord Yan Xishan, the Type 17 was specifically engineered to chamber the .45 ACP cartridge so that ammunition would be compatible with American Colt M1911 pistols already in service within the region. This unique adaptation required substantial modifications to the standard C96 design and resulted in one of the most distinctive Broomhandle variants ever manufactured. Production numbers were relatively limited, making surviving examples highly desirable among advanced military pistol collectors. This example remains particularly attractive due to its matching serialized components and strong overall condition. The pistol retains approximately 90% of its original finish with only moderate handling wear, scattered oxidation, and light patina visible throughout. The bore remains excellent for a Chinese military pistol of this era, exhibiting bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only minor fouling present, supporting its 9 out of 10 rating. The walnut grip panels remain in very good condition with only minor chipping and handling wear. The included wood holster and stripper clips further enhance the pistol’s historical and collector appeal.
Altogether, this Shanxi Type 17 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable Chinese military handguns ever produced. The combination of .45 ACP chambering, matching serialized parts, strong original condition, and accompanying holster make this a particularly appealing example for advanced collectors of military pistols and Chinese firearms. As one of the most uncommon and historically fascinating derivatives of the Mauser C96 design, the Shanxi Type 17 remains a centerpiece-level collectible within the world of military handguns. -R.E.