Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle Red Nine Grips 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2691
LSB#: 210324DL05
Make: Mauser
Model: C96 “Broomhandle”, reconfigured as a “Red Nine”
Serial Number: 180580
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1914-1916
Caliber: The barrel has been re-chambered for 9mm Parabellum.
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the left shoulder with “180580”, the left side with a crowned “U”. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A NECKAR”, the left has a Mauser banner logo. The flat on the underside of the barrel has inspection marks. The rear faces of the lock frame and frame are marked with “180580”. The rear face of the hammer is marked “580”. The sear disconnector is marked “580”. The bolt locking block is marked “580”. The magazine floorplate is marked “0580” on the inside (stamped over a previous marking).
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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 a blade fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece walnut panels with a large “9” cut into both grips filled with red paint. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The serrations are sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued & Some Parts Polished Bright
Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts are not original and some may be force-matched.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its current metal finish. There are a few scattered minor marks and minor operational wear. There is infrequent minor erosion under the finish with more notable erosion under the grips. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear, some may not be original. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-plus condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel extension has minor play to the frame. 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: This pistol comes with a wood stock/holster with leather carry harness. The holster has a few scattered light nicks and scratches. There is a crack at the bracket. The metal fixtures appear to have been installed when the wood was finished. Overall, the stock/holster is in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished and/or reproduction. Please note, the holster should only be used as a stock in compliance with the law.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm, and the “Red Nine” variants are the most distinctive of any pistol made. During WWI Mauser had two contracts with the military, the first for 7.63mm pistols and the second for 9mm pistols. It soon became apparent that two nearly identical guns with dissimilar ammo was not a good idea. In December 1917, a decision was made to burn a large “9” into the grips and fill them in red paint, with those already issued to be similarly marked in the field. This pistol was a standard C96 which has been re-chambered for 9mm and has been equipped with new “Red Nine” grips. The pistol has been refinished with blue and bright polish finishes, but retains fairly strong markings. While this pistol may interest collectors, it also has a great bore, so it will also be a nice piece to take to the range. Please see our photos and good luck!