German C96 Broomhandle Bolo 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1923-30 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: WY250210SM108
Make: Mauser
Model: C96 Bolo
Serial Number: 517094
Year of Manufacture: 1923-30
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser Automatic)
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top flat of the barrel extension is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF AN” with “517094” on the side. The frame is marked, “MAUSER / 517094 / WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A NECKAR”. The serialized parts are non-matched to the receiver. There are various small proofs and part numbers throughout.
Barrel Length: 4”
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. The front sight is an inverted “V” notch integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece ribbed wood panels. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout along with some chips in the bottom. There are no cracks. The ribs are heavily worn. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is mostly sharp. There is moderate erosion and light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 6/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light scratches, thinning at the edges, and thinning at the grip frame. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
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 German C96 Broomhandle Bolo in 7.63x25mm Mauser is an iconic and highly collectible early semi-automatic pistol, known for its distinctive design, innovative features, and historical significance. The Bolo variant, distinguished by its shorter barrel and smaller grip profile, was developed in the early 1920s in response to post-World War I restrictions that limited the barrel length of military handguns produced in Germany. Despite these limitations, the Bolo Mauser remained a favorite among military officers, revolutionaries, and adventurers worldwide, thanks to its high-velocity cartridge, robust construction, and unique aesthetics. Chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, this pistol delivers exceptional range, accuracy, and penetration, making it one of the most powerful and influential handguns of its era. One of the defining features of the C96 Bolo is its fixed magazine, loaded via stripper clips, rather than the detachable magazines found in later semi-automatic pistol designs. This feature, combined with the straight blowback action, results in smooth cycling and reliable function, even with high-velocity ammunition. The smaller Bolo grip and shortened 3.9- to 4-inch barrel make it more compact and easier to handle than the standard C96, contributing to its popularity among Russian Bolsheviks, from whom the “Bolo” nickname originated. The pistol’s all-steel construction and finely machined components showcase the precision German craftsmanship that made Mauser firearms legendary, while the integrated rear sight, adjustable for long-range shooting, is a testament to its intended use as a powerful sidearm.
For collectors, military historians, and enthusiasts of early automatic pistols, the C96 Bolo Mauser represents a significant piece of firearm history. Its unique design, historical associations, and finely crafted mechanism make it a highly desirable addition to any collection of early semi-automatic handguns. Whether valued for its historical connections to post-WWI Germany and the Russian Revolution, or appreciated as a well-engineered and accurate firearm, the Bolo variant of the Mauser C96 remains one of the most recognizable and respected pistols ever produced. -R.E.
