Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle Pre-War 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1905 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3725
LSB#: 210721TS43
Make: Mauser
Model: C96
Serial Number: 39166
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1905
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel extension’s chamber ring is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the left shoulder is marked “39166” and the left has a crowned “U”. The bottom of the barrel has inspection markings. The right of the frame has “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. The top of the bolt stop is marked “9166”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “9166”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “9166” and the side of the sear disconnect is marked “166”. The rear face of the frame and the rear face of the lock frame are each marked “39166”. The rear of the hammer has “166” and an “NS” monogram (new safety). The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “9166”. The inside of each grip panel is marked “39156” (given how close this is to the serial number, we suspect that this is a factory error).
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-500” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut panels. The grips have light handling wear with a few scattered light nicks and handling marks. The serrations are generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 60% of its metal finish. The metal surfaces have a mottled appearance of remaining finish mixed with wear and minor discoloration from oxidation. There is some scattered minor surface erosion. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the Mauser marking on the right of the frame is incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm. Its features are very distinctive with its tangent rear sight, forward magazine, grasping tabs for the bolt and ring hammer. In addition to being used in the Great War, popularized in Soviet films as the iconic weapon of the Russian revolution and civil war, it was also used as a basis for futuristic weapons like the blaster used by Han Solo in Star Wars. This pistol was made around 1905, and is a fairly early example of the pre-war commercial variant. It has design updates including a new style extractor and new safety hammer, but still has a 50-500 meter sight, slightly more realistic than the 50-1,000 meter sight which would replace it. Most C96 pistols of this era show quite a bit more wear, especially in their bores, due to both their age and being produced during, and frequently used for, some of the most devastating conflicts of the 20th century. This example is in pretty good shape given its age, retaining a nice bore, strong mechanics, and all-matching serial numbered metal parts. It’s also chambered for the more common 9mm Luger cartridge, making it more desireable for those who would actually shoot this pistol. The serial marking inside the grips is off by just one digit, and we believe this to be a factory oversight. This is a nice example of an iconic pistol. Please see our photos and good luck!