Mauser C96 Broomhandle .30 Mauser 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1910 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00
LSB#: WY250320TF127
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N
Model: 1896 C96
Serial Number: 123213
Year of Manufacture: 1910
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser Automatic)
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel shoulder is marked “123213”. The left side of the barrel flat is marked with a double crowned U. The top of the barrel flat is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A.NECKAR”. All serialized parts including the internals are serial matched. There are various small proofs throughout.
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 walnut panels with coarse serrations. There is heavy wear, pressure dents, and scratches throughout. The serrations are worn. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling heavily worn. There is heavy erosion throughout with moderate pitting marks. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 3/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 15% of its metal finish. There is heavy thick surface rust throughout along with a moderate patina. There are several spots of wear and thinning. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fair 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 & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Mauser C96, often referred to as the “Broomhandle,” is one of the most iconic semi-automatic pistols ever produced. This 1910-dated example is chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, a high-velocity bottleneck cartridge that was cutting-edge for its time. Manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser in Oberndorf, Germany, the C96 is renowned for its integral magazine, distinctive grip shape, and unique rear tangent sight that allowed theoretical aiming out to 1000 meters. It was carried by military officers, revolutionaries, and adventurers across the globe during the early 20th century, from the trenches of WWI to the sands of China.
This particular C96 shows its age and history, retaining only about 15% of its original blued finish with heavy surface rust and patina throughout. The bore is in poor condition, dark with worn rifling and visible erosion, though all serialized parts match—an important factor in terms of collectibility. The grips are heavily worn but intact, with no cracks. Despite the cosmetic and bore wear, the action still functions correctly, a testament to the durability of Mauser’s original design.
For collectors of early automatic pistols or enthusiasts of historical military arms, this 1910 Mauser C96 remains a significant and storied firearm. While not a shooter in its current condition, its all-matching serial numbers, original parts, and classic profile still hold considerable value for restoration or as a representative piece of early semi-automatic development. It is a tangible piece of firearm history from an era of innovation, conflict, and transformation. -R.E.
