German Commercial Broomhandle Mauser M1930 7.63mm Pistol, 1930s C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,576.00

LSB#: LSB260216DM041

Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N, Germany

Model: 1930

Serial Number: 814132

Year of Manufacture: 1930 – 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, “814132” The right side of the frame is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.NEKAR”. The left side of the frame has the Mauser rollmark. Not all serialized parts are matched to the receiver. There is an import mark on the frame. 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 Type-E 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. There are scratches, pressure dents, along with a few chips throughout. There are no cracks. Overall the grips are in Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore along with spots of pitting. The bore has been polished In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10 for a C&R.

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 97% of its metal finish. There are scratches and wear marks throughout. There are several refinished over nicks. 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 + condition as refinished.

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: Leather holster, non serial matched wood holster.  

Our Assessment: The Mauser Model 1930 Broomhandle is one of the most recognizable semi automatic pistol designs of the early 20th century, representing the final commercial refinement of the iconic C96 pattern. Manufactured at Oberndorf in the early 1930s, these pistols were widely exported and saw use across Europe, Asia, and beyond, valued for their durability and distinctive internal magazine fed system. Chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, a high velocity cartridge introduced in the 1890s, the platform offered flat trajectory and strong penetration for its time. The Model 1930 incorporated improvements in machining and finish while retaining the classic lines and functionality that made the Broomhandle a globally recognized sidearm. This example has been refinished and retains approximately 97 percent of its current finish, with visible scratches, wear marks, and areas of refinishing over earlier handling marks. The bore is bright with pronounced rifling and rates 7 out of 10, showing moderate erosion and areas of pitting, with evidence of polishing. The walnut grips show scratches, pressure dents, and small chips, and have been refinished, but remain structurally intact, rating in Good condition. Not all serialized parts match. There is an import mark on the frame. Markings remain mostly clear, and the action functions correctly.

The C96 platform holds a significant place in firearms history as one of the earliest successful semi automatic pistol designs, influencing generations of handguns that followed. Its unique profile, integral magazine system, and widespread use across multiple continents contribute to its enduring appeal among collectors. This example reflects both modification and use over time, while still retaining the defining characteristics of the Model 1930, making it a representative and visually distinctive piece of early semi automatic pistol development. -R.E.