WWI Austrian Mauser C96 Broomhandle .30 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol 1915 C&R
SOLD FOR; $2,277.00
WOA#: WY240606MO001
Make: Mauser
Model: 1896, C96
Serial Number: 200903
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1915 (Austrian 1915 acceptance mark)
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser Automatic)
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked with “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the left shoulder with “200903”, the left side with a crowned “U”, the right shoulder with Austrian “W.n.” eagle and “15” acceptance mark. The top rear of the bolt is marked with crown over “U” and “903” and the top of the bolt stop is marked “903”. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. The rear face of the frame and lock frame are marked with “200903”. The rear face of the hammer is marked with “903”. The sear disconnector is marked “903”. The bolt locking block is marked “903”. The magazine floorplate is marked “903” on the inside. The inside of each grip panel is marked “903”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight has a “V” sliding elevator with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is tapered blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut, each with 32 serrations. The grips have some minor nicks and scratches. There is some scuffing, most notable toward the bottom of the left panel. Each panel’s bottom serration is incomplete. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. There is some scattered minor erosion with a patch of more notable erosion about mid-way down the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is wear on the backstrap consistent with the use of a stock. There is scattered finish wear along the barrel. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable nicks on the left at the trigger guard and the frame rail. There is some minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
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 & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is one of the most visually distinctive pistols ever made, with an internal magazine forward of the grip, short-recoil operating system with a locking bolt and a very ambitious tangent sight graduated to 1000 meters. Introduced in 1896, the pistol was originally a very slow seller. Thankfully for the C96, if not for the rest of the world, the Great War changed all of that, and thousands upon thousands were ordered by the Central Powers for their armed forces. This example is a wartime commercial pistol purchased by Austria-Hungary and accepted by their armed forces in 1915. The pistol is Very Good condition with 80% of its original metal finish remaining. The bore is semi-bright with a patch of notable erosion about mid-way down the bore. There were only about 50,000 of these pistols purchased by the Austrians from 1915-1917, and one can only guess as to what number survived the trench warfare of WWI. For the WWI, German, or Austrian small arms collector, this is a nice find. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
