German Mauser C96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm 5.5” Semi-Auto Pistol, 1915-21
SOLD FOR: $3,750.00
LSB# LSB260625WM037
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf A/N Germany
Model: C96 Commercial
Serial#: 359022
Year of Manufacture: 1915 – 1921 / C&R
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 chamber flat is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N”. The left side is marked with the serial number, “359022” followed by a commercial proof. The right side of the frame is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. All serialized parts are matched including the internals and inside of the grip panels. The stock is serial matched to the receiver.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade fixed to the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent leaf marked 50-1000.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut panels screw-set to the frame. There are scratches, pressure dents, and several chips. There is light to moderate wear to the serrations. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fair condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion and heavy fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light to moderate wear marks throughout. The action has light wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good condition as refinished.
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: Original serial matched shoulder stock/leather straps.
Our Assessment: The Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” was one of the most advanced and recognizable self-loading pistols of the early 20th century, combining a short-recoil locked-breech action, fixed internal magazine, high-velocity 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge, and detachable wooden shoulder stock that also served as a holster. Serial 359022 falls squarely within the Wartime Commercial range, placing this pistol most plausibly in the 1916-1918 period. This example is especially noteworthy for its matching serialized components, including the internal parts, grip panels, and original shoulder stock, preserving a degree of originality that is particularly important on surviving C96 pistols. This pistol remains in Good condition as refinished, retaining approximately 90% of its current blued finish. The exterior shows light to moderate wear throughout, while the action exhibits light operational wear. The screw head is lightly tooled but retains a strong slot, the pins are undamaged, and the markings remain clear. The refinished serrated walnut grips show scratches, pressure dents, several small chips, and moderate to heavy wear to the serrations but remain free of cracks, rating in Fair condition. The bore is bright with pronounced rifling and exhibits light erosion with heavy fouling, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly.
For collectors of early automatic pistols, this is a particularly desirable C96 configuration because of the matching shoulder stock and broadly matching numbered assembly. The 7.63mm chambering, full-length 5.5″ barrel, 1000-meter tangent sight, Wartime Commercial serial range, and original stock all contribute substantial historical and collector interest. The later refinish and grip wear temper condition-based value, but the unusually complete matching configuration makes this a much more significant example than a typical mismatched or stockless commercial Broomhandle. -R.E.