German Commercial Broomhandle Mauser M1930 7.63mm Pistol, 1930s C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,450.00
LSB#: LSB260206DB008
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N, Germany
Model: 1930
Serial Number: 852851
Year of Manufacture: 1932 / C&R
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser
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 left side of the receiver extension is marked with the serial number, “852851” The right side of the frame is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.NEKAR / D.R.P.u.A.P.”. The left side of the frame has the Mauser rollmark. All serialized parts are matched. The holster is not serial matched.
Barrel Length: 5.25”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch sliding tangent leaf marked out to 1000.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece walnut panels with 12 serration cuts and a lanyard loop on the bottom of the frame. There are light scratches, pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Very Good + condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore along with spots of pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
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 99% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout. The hammer and bolt have moderate patina. The action has moderate wear. The grip screw is sharp with a strong slot. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good To Excellent condition. The holster has large cracks in the wood.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Non-serial matched wood holster and the book: The Mauser Self Loading Pistol by Jack Dunlap.
Our Assessment: The Mauser Model 1930 Broomhandle is the culmination of the long running C96 pistol series, representing one of the most recognizable and influential semi automatic handgun designs of the early 20th century. Manufactured at Oberndorf in 1932, this commercial variant reflects Mauser’s continued refinement of the platform for export and civilian markets. The distinctive integral magazine, loaded via stripper clips, and the short recoil operated action set the C96 apart from its contemporaries. Chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, a high velocity cartridge introduced in the 1890s, the pistol offered excellent penetration and flat trajectory, contributing to its widespread adoption across Europe and Asia. This example retains approximately 99 percent of its original blued finish, with only light handling marks visible and moderate patina present on the hammer and bolt. The bore is bright with pronounced rifling and rates 7 out of 10, showing moderate erosion and scattered pitting consistent with age and use. The walnut grips remain in Very Good Plus condition, showing light handling wear with no chips or cracks. Notably, all serialized parts are matching, adding to the overall integrity of the pistol. Markings remain mostly clear and well defined, with a strong grip screw and proper mechanical function. The included wood holster is non-matching and shows significant cracking.
The C96 platform holds a unique place in firearms history as one of the earliest successful semi automatic pistol designs, influencing numerous later developments and gaining worldwide recognition. Its distinctive profile and innovative features made it a favored sidearm for military officers, adventurers, and collectors alike. This example, with matching numbers and strong finish retention, stands as a well preserved representation of the Model 1930, combining historical significance with classic design and solid overall condition. -R.E.