German Mauser C96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm 5.5” Semi-Auto Pistol, 1911-15

SOLD FOR: $1,132.00

LSB# LSB260606KS005

Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf A/N Germany

Model: C96 Commercial

Serial#: 152883

Year of Manufacture: 1911 – 1915 / C&R

Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.

Markings: The top of the chamber flat is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N”. The left side is marked with the serial number, “152883” followed by a commercial proof. The right side of the frame is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. All serialized parts are matched including the internals and inside of the grip panels.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a barleycorn blade fixed to the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent leaf marked 50-1000.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut panels screw-set to the frame. There are scratches, pressure dents, and a few tiny chips. There is heavy wear to the serrations. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fair + condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion and light spots of pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6/10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is moderate wear and thinning throughout along with a heavy patina on most surfaces. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The action has moderate wear.  The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in Fair to Good 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 standards.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Mauser C96 is one of the most recognizable and historically important early semi-automatic pistols, emerging in the late 1890s and becoming a successful commercial and military sidearm well before the First World War. Designed around a short-recoil action with a fixed internal magazine loaded from stripper clips, the C96 combined high velocity, substantial capacity, and unusually long-range sights in a distinctive package that quickly earned the nickname “Broomhandle” from its characteristic grip profile. This example is a Pre-War Commercial pistol chambered in the original 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge and dates to approximately 1911-1915. Its 5 1/2″ barrel, tangent rear sight graduated to 1,000 meters, commercial proofing, and Oberndorf markings are all characteristic of the classic commercial C96 pattern. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the serialized components remain matched, including the internal parts and grip panels, preserving an important degree of originality despite the pistol’s extensive exterior wear. This pistol remains in Fair to Good overall condition and retains approximately 10% of its original blued finish. Most exposed surfaces have developed a heavy, well-established patina, with moderate thinning and wear along with scattered scratches and nicks throughout. The action exhibits moderate operational wear, while the screw head is lightly tool marked but retains a strong slot and the pins remain undamaged. The markings are still clear and legible. The bore is gray with pronounced rifling and shows moderate erosion with scattered light pitting, rating approximately 6/10 in this writer’s opinion. The two-piece serrated walnut grips are matching to the pistol, displaying scratches, pressure dents, tiny edge chips, and heavy wear to the serrations while remaining free of cracks. Mechanically, the action functions correctly.

For collectors of early automatic pistols and Imperial-era German arms, a matching Pre-War Commercial C96 has substantial historical appeal even in well-used condition. The C96 became internationally famous through commercial sales, military procurement, colonial use, and its presence in conflicts around the world before and during the First World War, and surviving examples retain an unmistakable connection to the formative years of practical self-loading handgun development. This pistol’s heavy patina and worn bore speak to a long service life, while the matching internal components and grips help preserve its integrity as an original Mauser assembly. With its classic 7.63mm chambering, recognizable long-range tangent sight, matching parts, and honest century-old character, this is an evocative example of one of the most iconic semi-automatic pistols ever produced. -R.E.