Model 1896 Broomhandle Large Ring Flat Side 7.63mm .30 Mauser Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,980.99
WOA#: WY240526BJ036
Make: Mauser
Model: 1896
Serial Number: 24158
Year of Manufacture: 1899-1901
Caliber: 7.63mm Mauser
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel extension’s chamber ring is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF/N”, the left shoulder is marked “24158”, the left has a crowned “U”, the right has an Oberndorf proof. The bottom of the barrel has inspection markings. The bottom of the rear sight arm is marked “158”. The top of the bolt stop is marked “158”. The rear face of the bolt is marked “158”, the bottom of the bolt has a double-crowned “U”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “158” and the sides of the sear and sear arm are marked “158”. The rear face of the lock frame stop is marked “158”. The rear face of the frame and the rear face of the lock frame are each marked “24158”. The rear of the hammer has “158”. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “158” as is the top of the follower. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “24158”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched 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 front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut panels with 23 horizontal serrations each. The grips have light handling wear with more notable wear toward the bottom on each side. There are scattered light marks and the right panel has a couple of serrations that have, for some reason, been cut back and upward to the next serration. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The four-groove rifling is worn, but visible. There is light-moderate erosion scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 25% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is in the flats of the barrel extension with some other remaining finish in protected areas and around raised features. Other surfaces show scattered wear with areas going to a light patina. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some spots of minor surface oxidation and minor erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in 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: This pistol comes in a wood stock/holster with a leather cover. The cover seems to have shrunk a little, it is quite tight to the stock. We were not able to remove it to inspect the mounting bracket for a serial marking (it won’t come over the latch). The hinge bracket has fire-blue finish and the wear is appropriate for the pistol’s age. There was a flap that came over the top of the holster and snapped to the leather cover, it has torn free and is missing.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is a pistol with a very distinctive appearance and a distinguished history. Early production of the 1896 saw a host of variations which make them a prime candidate for collectors. In addition to contracts for a number of different militaries, use in famous conflicts including The Great War, there were production changes throughout the first years which give the collector a number of different versions to find. This example was made between 1899 and 1901. It has the flat-sided or “slab-side” frame which was introduced for an Italian Navy contract and continued for commercial production for a few years after, early four-groove rifling, early long, thin extractor, and “large ring” hammer. This example is in Good condition with wear consistent with its age and all-matching numbered parts. While there were many 1896 pistols made, this variation is not particularly common and this example will make a fantastic addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
