German Mauser C96 Broomhandle 9x19mm Red 9 Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,301.00
LSB#: LSB251009DC032
Make: Mauser
Model: Model C-96 Red 9
Serial Number: 112333
Year of Manufacture: 1910 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The top flat of the barrel extension is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF AN” with “112333” on the side. The left side of the trigger housing is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A. NEKAR”. Not all serialized parts are matched. There are small German proofs throughout. The rear of the grip frame has a separate code, “242”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
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. The grips have a couple of light nicks toward the bottom. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The engraved red 9 is still painted. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition. Overall the grips rate at an Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, In the White
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 9/10. The bore has been polished.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is minimal handling wear throughout. There are refinished over chunks missing out of the grip frame front strap. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Mauser C96 “Red 9” stands among the most historically significant variants of the Broomhandle pistol, produced to meet Imperial German military demand during the First World War. In 1916, Mauser adapted the C96 to fire the standard 9mm Luger cartridge, resulting in the Red 9 configuration, so named for the large red-painted numeral in the grip panels to prevent confusion with the visually similar 7.63mm pistols. These pistols were issued primarily to artillery and support troops and occupy a unique place in early semi-automatic handgun history as one of the first large-scale military 9mm pistols adopted by Germany. Chambered in 9mm Luger, the Red 9 reflects the military shift toward a standardized service cartridge that offered improved terminal performance and logistical simplicity. The long barrel and tangent rear sight were intended to provide effective accuracy at extended ranges for the period, particularly when paired with a shoulder stock, though none accompanies this example. This pistol’s bore remains bright with sharp rifling and only faint erosion, a notable attribute for a C&R Red 9. The refinished surfaces present with strong overall coverage, and the red-painted “9” in the grips remains intact, reinforcing the pistol’s correct visual identity despite later refinishing.
While this example has been refinished and exhibits some non-matching or renumbered components as noted, it remains a visually striking and mechanically sound representative of the Red 9 pattern. The polished bore, crisp action, and preserved grip markings contribute to its appeal as a display and historical piece rather than a strictly untouched collector-grade example. Red 9 pistols continue to be highly sought after due to their wartime provenance and unmistakable profile, and this example offers an opportunity to own a classic Mauser military variant with strong presentation and enduring historical presence. -R.E.
