Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm .30 Semi-Automatic Pistol 1905-11C&R

SOLD FOR: $3625

LSB#: 210722TS42

Make: Mauser

Model: C96

Serial Number: 75509

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1905-1911

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 “75509” 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 “509”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “509”. The bottom of the rear sight arm is marked “509”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “509”. The sear and sear arm are marked “509”. The rear face of the frame is marked “75509”. The rear face of the lock frame is marked “75509”. The rear of the hammer has “509”. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “509”. The inside of each grip panel is scribed “509”.

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 checkered black hard rubber panels with “MW” Mauser-Werke monograms at their tops. The grips have minor handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 87% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly in scattered minor surface oxidation. There is some light wear on the left of the barrel. The grip areas have infrequent minor erosion, mostly on the fronstrap. There are a few other spots of minor wear and some light nicks and scuffs. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good 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, leather harness mount and notes inside the right grip panel and inside the lid of the stock holster. The mounting bracket is marked “509”, matching the pistol. The holster has a brass band around it, likely a repair as there is a crack above the band on each side toward the front. The harness mount shows scattered wear with some broken stitching. The note inside the grip is marked “Mr. Arthur J. Flower. / Royal Engineers” and has “Oct/15” hand-written in pencil. The note inside the stock is marked “Captain A.J. Flower / F.R.?”.

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 popularized in Soviet films as the iconic weapon of the Russian revolution and civil war, it was even used as a basis for futuristic weapons like the blaster used by Han Solo in Star Wars. This pistol was made prior to the Great War and is in nice shape given its age. It has serial matching parts and wear which could be considered light considering the typical wear of WWI issued firearms. Did I say issued? Rather than issued, this pistol appears to have been purchased by a British officer prior to WWI, with the notes inside the grip and stock being fit to their respective storage locations and by appearances being genuine. This is somewhat ironic, as that would mean that just prior to a war which pitted Britain against Germany, a British officer bought a German sidearm. With the accompanying wooden stock/holster and its lanyard rings, you’d have to try hard to lose this gun. This will make a great addition to a WWI military or early autoloading handgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!