Custom Mauser C96 C-9 M1916 Red 9 Broomhandle 9mm Blue Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $2425
LSB#: 210127EM08
Make: Mauser
Model: 1896 9mm Military Contract
Serial Number: 129632
Year of Manufacture: 1916-1918
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi –Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel at the chamber is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the left shoulder with “129632”, the left side with a crowned “U”. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A NECKAR”. The flat on the underside of the barrel has inspection marks. The rear faces of the lock frame and frame are marked with “129632”. The rear face of the hammer is marked “632”. The sear disconnector is marked “632”. The bolt locking block is marked “7708”. The magazine floorplate is marked “632” on the inside. The bottom of the rear sight arm is marked “203”. The right of the magazine well has had a two reichsmark coin glued to it.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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 (not original to the gun). The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece walnut panels with a large “9” cut into both grips filled with red paint. The inside of the left grip panel has an aluminum plate with two indexing pins which fit into matching indexing holes in the right plate. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The serrations are sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued & Some Parts Polished Bright
Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts are not original and some may be force-matched.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is in scattered spots of minor surface oxidation. There is a scrape at the right-rear of the frame above the grip and there is a spot of minor erosion on the left at the muzzle which has been scrubbed out. There is some scattered minor erosion under the finish. The barrel assembly has scattered areas with a plum hue and a couple of patches on the bottom of the barrel with a copper color. The screw head is sharp. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished and not parts original.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel extension is tight to the frame. 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 with a wood stock/holster which has a “MAUSER / Model 1896” patch embroidered with an image of the pistol. The bracket of the stock holster has scattered wear and surface erosion with some parts painted black. The hinge plates have scattered surface oxidation. The body of the holster has some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a repaired crack on the spine over the rear sight of the pistol. Overall, the stock/holster is in about Good-plus condition as refinished and/or reproduction. Please note, the holster should only be used as a stock in compliance with the law.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm, and the “Red Nine” variants are the most distinctive of any pistol made. During WWI Mauser had two contracts with the military, the first for 7.63mm pistols and the second for 9mm pistols. It soon became apparent that two nearly identical guns with dissimilar ammo was not a good idea. In December 1917, a decision was made to burn a large “9” into the grips and fill them in red paint, with those already issued to be similarly marked in the field. This pistol is a 9mm C96 which has been equipped with new “Red Nine” grips. The pistol has been refinished with blue and bright polish finishes, but retains fairly strong markings. While this pistol may interest collectors, it also has a great bore, so it will also be a nice piece to take to the range. Please see our photos and good luck!