German C96 Mauser Broomhandle Bolo 9x19mm Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,500.00
LSB#: LSB251003GL007
Make: Mauserwerke Oberndorf A/N Germany
Model: Model C-96 Bolo
Serial Number: 653491
Year of Manufacture: 1923 – 1930 / C&R
Caliber: 9x19mm (Rechambered from 7.63×25)
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top flat of the barrel extension is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF AN” with “653491” There are various small proofs throughout. The left side of the frame is marked with a Mauser banner and the right side is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A. NEKAR”. All serialized parts are matched including the internals.
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 receiver. 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 faint scratches and pressure dents throughout along with some small chips. There are no cracks but there is a small chip on the right panel. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, In the White
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are light refinished over spots of pinprick pitting. The action has light wear. The markings are mostly clear with some blurred spots. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent 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: 11x Stripper clips.
Our Assessment: The Mauser C96 “Bolo” occupies a unique and historically charged niche within the long and storied production life of the Broomhandle pistol. The Bolo variant, distinguished by its shorter 4 inch barrel and compact grip frame, emerged in the post–World War I period and became closely associated with commercial export and Eastern European use during the turbulent interwar years. Produced at Oberndorf in the 1920s, these pistols reflect Mauser’s effort to adapt a proven prewar design to new markets and restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. The iconic profile, integral magazine loaded by stripper clips, and long-range tangent sight remain hallmarks of one of the earliest successful military self-loading pistols. This pistol has been rechambered in 9x19mm, a cartridge, a common conversion for refurbished C96’s. The 9mm chambering offers increased availability and logistical practicality compared to its original 7.63×25 chambering, particularly in the U.S. This pistol’s bore shows strong rifling with no notable wear. The extensive refinish has left the metal surfaces with a uniform appearance, though softened markings and refinished-over pitting marks are visible, consistent with period or later refurbishment practices.
Despite its refinished state, this Bolo retains all matching serialized components, including its internals, which is a meaningful point for collectors. The included stripper clips reinforce its original method of operation and display appeal. C96 pistols continue to command attention due to their mechanical ingenuity, cultural significance, and unmistakable silhouette. This example presents as a mechanically sound, visually striking representative of the interwar Mauser Bolo, offering both historical presence and classic Broomhandle character. -R.E.
