Mauser Model 1896 C96 Broomhandle, Matching Early Post-War Bolo (Import Marked) Blue 3.9” Semi-Automatic Pistol & Holster, MFD 1921-23 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,400
LSB#: 150811DH34
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf on the Neckar River
Model: 1896
Serial Number: 495370
Year of Manufacture: 1921-1923
Caliber: 7.63mm / .30 Mauser
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Internal Magazine Fed Pistol.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the left shoulder is marked with the serial number and the left flat is marked with a double crown over “U” (definitive smokeless proof). The bottom barrel flat is over-stamped multiple times with legible “8 / SAC / CA / 90 / B” with an “M” stamped on the round portion. The bolt stop and top of the bolt are marked “5370”. The bolt is also marked with a double crowned “U”. The back of the hammer is marked with a scripted “NS” (new safety) and “370”. The back of the frame and frame lock mechanism are marked with the serial number. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. The bottom of the frame, just aft of the trigger guard is marked “GERMANY” and “30” on the front of the outside of the trigger guard. The insides of the wood grip panels are marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 3.9”
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 fixed inverted “V” blade fixed to the band at the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are serrated walnut panels that are slightly different in color but are serialized to this pistol. There are 21 serrations on the both panels, some of which display fading. The left hand panel displays deep marks as photographed. There are scattered scuffs and scratches throughout. The grips rate in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is pin prick erosion the length of the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 88% of its metal finish. There is thinning on the barrel, slide rails and on the magazine well that is consistent with holster wear. There are scuff and scratch marks throughout as photographed. There is wear on the interacting metal surfaces. The grip screw head is sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is play in the slide-to-frame fit. This pistol is outfitted with a period correct graduated sight that is adjustable from 50 to 1,000 meters with a New Safety and two lug firing pin. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A brown leather flap holster is provided. It fits this pistol nicely and has in-the-white securing snaps. There are two pouches on the front which hold stripper clips. The holster is designed to be worn over the shoulder but no strap is provided. There are two metal mounting points on the back as photographed.
Our Assessment: From : “Due to the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, German pistols were limited to 100 mm barrels or shorter, and calibers under 9mm. Mauser satisfied these restrictions by reviving an older variant, popularly known as the Bolo. Although often called the “small-frame” Mauser, most of the frame is identical to that of the full-size guns. The grip is notably smaller, but all the internal parts are identical to those of the larger pistols. The original Bolo may have been an attempt to make the gun slightly less bulky overall, a notion supported by the fact that nearly all of the very early six-shot guns were Bolos – that is, they had the smaller Bolo grips and the short (100 mm, or 3.9 inch) Bolo barrels. See more on this subject here. However, the postwar Bolos all have 10 shot magazines. The Postwar Bolo is identical to the Wartime Commercial, with these exceptions -3.9″ barrel with the front sight on a barrel band. No proof stamp on locking block. Small grip. 22 groove walnut grip panels. Barrel serial number and proof stamps change places – serial number is now on side of chamber, proof stamp is on diagonal flat above it. Lanyard ring swivels from side to side, rather than fore & aft.” This example is a parts matching, import marked version of the above but with 21 serrations on the (matching serial number) grip panels. It retains a great deal of blued finish with the exception of scratches, scuffs and holster wear. There is play in the slide-to-frame fit but the action is crisp and solid. There is some pin prick erosion in the gray bore with worn rifling. Included is a brown leather holster as mentioned above in “Accessories”.
