German Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm .30 Semi-Auto Pistol, 1913 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4001

LSB#: 220428FM021

Make: Mauser

Model: C96

Serial Number: 149703

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1913

Caliber: 7.63mm Mauser

Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel extension’s chamber ring is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the left shoulder is marked “149703” and the left has a crowned “U”. The bottom of the barrel has inspection markings. The right of the frame has “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. The top of the bolt stop is marked “703”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “703”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “703”. The sear is marked “703”. The rear face of the frame is marked “149703”. The rear face of the lock frame is marked “149703”. The rear of the hammer has “703”. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “703”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “703”. The stock/holster’s mounting bracket is marked “703”.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated wood panels. The grips show light handling wear with a few scattered minor marks. The right panel has a patch of damaged serrations behind the screw escutcheon and a small loss at the top-front corner. The serrations are well defined where not damaged. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some minor erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is in finish wear on the bottom of the barrel and wear at the stock slot from installation/removal of the stock/holster. There are some other scattered light scuffs and scratches. The rear sight assembly, extractor, bolt stop, trigger and safety retain much of their fire-blue. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. 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: This pistol comes with a wood stock/holster with serial-matching mounting bracket and a logo or brand of some sort on the side. The stock/holster has scattered light wear with a long crack on the top-right next to the hinge-plate.

Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm. Its features are the most distinctive of any other pistol. In addition to being used by German forces in WWI, popularized in Soviet films as the iconic weapon of the Russian revolution and civil war, and seeing extensive use during the Warlord Era in China it was also used as a basis for futuristic weapons like the blaster used by Han Solo in Star Wars. This pistol was made before the outbreak of The Great War and is a commercial C96. It has serial matching parts, including on the stock/holster, and shows wear which is quite light considering its age and the typical condition of these pistols. This will make a great addition to a Mauser or early autoloading handgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!