German 2nd Variation Broomhandle Mauser M1930 7.63mm Pistol, 1930s C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,625.00

LSB#: LSB260508SH025

Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N, Germany

Model: 1930, 2nd Variation

Serial Number: 859969

Year of Manufacture: 1930 – 1937 / C&R

Caliber: 7.63x25mm

Action Type: Single Action Short Recoil Semi–Auto Pistol with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel extension is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N” with a crown over “U” proof. The underside of the barrel has station marks. The rear of the receiver under the sight leaf is marked with the serial number, “859969”. The bolt has a crown over “U” proof. The left side of the trigger housing is marked with the second variation Mauser banner, and the right side of the housing is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.NECKAR D.R.P.u.A.P.” All serialized parts are matched. The holster does not have a serial number.

Barrel Length: 5.5” Approximate (140mm)

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Type-C V-notch sliding tangent leaf marked out to 1000.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece walnut with 12 serration cuts and a lanyard loop on the bottom of the frame. The grips have minor handling wear with a few light nicks and scratches. There are a few small chips. The serrations are well defined. There are no cracks. The grips are in Very Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts are In The White.

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore along with some stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10. 

Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive primed ammunition until the 1950s.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its metal refinish. The leading edges are worn. There are scratches, nicks, and spots of rust pitting throughout. There are moderate spots of patina throughout. The replacement grip screw is sharp with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Fair 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 requirements. The back of the grip frame is dovetailed.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Wooden holster.

Our Assessment: The Mauser M1930 represents the final major commercial refinement of the legendary C96 Broomhandle pistol. Introduced around 1930, the model simplified several earlier machining features while returning to the full-size grip frame and long-barreled profile associated with prewar commercial C96 pistols. Its distinctive short-recoil action, integral ten-round magazine, stripper-clip loading system, tangent rear sight, and stock-slotted grip frame preserved the unmistakable character of the original design. Chambered in the high-velocity 7.63×25mm Mauser cartridge, the M1930 was produced primarily for commercial and export sales until C96 production ended during the late 1930s. This example remains in Fair condition as refinished, retaining approximately 94% of its applied blued finish. The metal surfaces exhibit leading-edge wear, scattered scratches and nicks, rust pitting, and moderate areas of patina beneath or through the refinish. The replacement grip screw remains sharp with a strong slot, and the principal markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, light erosion, and stubborn fouling, rating 8/10 in this writer’s opinion. Its refinished 12-groove walnut grip panels show minor handling wear, light scratches, several small chips, and no cracks, rating in Very Good condition.

All serialized components are reported as matching, an important consideration on a mechanically complex C96 pistol with numerous individually fitted parts. Despite the refinish and scattered pitting, this matching M1930 remains a recognizable and mechanically functional example of one of the most iconic early semi-automatic handgun designs. -R.E.