Chinese Mauser M1930 7.63x25mm 5.5” Semi-Auto Pistol C96, 1930s C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,301.00
LSB# LSB260125DW038
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf A/N Germany, Chinese Contract
Model: 1930
Serial#: 903112
Year of Manufacture: 1930s / C&R
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N” with a commercial proof. The rear of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “903112”. There are Chinese markings on the sides of the receiver.The barrel is marked, “7.63 Mauser”. The left side of the grip frame is marked with the Mauser banner. The right side of the grip frame is marked, “WAFFENFABRIC MAUSER OBERNDORF A NECKAR D.R.P.u A.P.” All serialized parts are matched.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2” (140mm)
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle, the rear face is serrated. The rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent leaf marked 50-1000 in increments of 50m up to 500m and then increments of 100m up to 1000m.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ribbed walnut panels screw set to the frame. There are scratches, chips, and heavy wear throughout. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Poor to Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion and moderate stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about none of its metal finish. There is heavy wear, oxidation, and patina throughout. There are deep spots of pitting and surface rust throughout. The screw head is moderately tooled with a strong slot. The markings are worn in places. Overall, the pistol is in poor 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 and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Mauser Model 1930 C96 represents the final and most refined commercial evolution of one of the most recognizable semi automatic pistols of the early 20th century. Manufactured at Waffenfabrik Mauser in Oberndorf, these pistols saw extensive export to China during a period of regional conflict and warlord era demand, where the C96 became both a practical fighting arm and a symbol of authority. Chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, a high velocity bottleneck cartridge introduced in the 1890s, the platform was known for its flat trajectory and strong penetration, paired with a fixed internal magazine loaded via stripper clips and the distinctive tangent rear sight graduated to ambitious distances. This example shows heavy, honest use consistent with service in harsh conditions, retaining essentially none of its original blued finish and exhibiting widespread oxidation, patina, and areas of pitting throughout the metal surfaces. The markings remain partially visible, including the Mauser Oberndorf address and matching serial numbers across components, along with Chinese characters applied to the receiver, reinforcing its export history. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling, rating 7.5 out of 10, with light erosion and moderate fouling present. The ribbed walnut grips show heavy wear with chips and surface loss but remain intact without cracking. The pistol remains mechanically functional, preserving the integrity of its complex short recoil system.
The Model 1930 C96 occupies a unique place in firearms history, bridging the gap between early automatic pistol development and later military sidearms, while its widespread use in China adds an additional layer of historical significance. The 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge influenced later designs, most notably the 7.62x25mm Tokarev, and remains one of the earliest successful high velocity pistol cartridges. Despite its well worn condition, this example offers strong historical character, matching numbers, and clear evidence of its period of use, making it a compelling representation of a globally recognized and widely used early semi automatic pistol design. -R.E.