Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm .30 Semi-Automatic Pistol 1914-15 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2200
LSB#: 210921DS02
Make: Mauser
Model: C96
Serial Number: 183570
Year of Manufacture: 1914-1915
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 “183570” 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 “570”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “570”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “570”. The sear is marked “570”. The rear face of the frame is marked “183570”. The rear face of the lock frame is marked “183570”. The rear of the hammer has “570”. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “570”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “570” and has “ML” hand-carved.
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 handling wear with a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable ding in the left panel in front of the grip screw. The serrations show wear, most notable on the bottom serration of each panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. There are notable tool marks in the top of the chamber which may cause issues with extraction when firing.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light finish wear on the barrel and its extension. The frame has a spot of wear on the left of the magazine toward the bottom and the bottom-front of the magazine with light handling wear in the grip areas. There is finish wear on the floorplate. The rear sight slider and the bolt stop have some finish loss in otherwise strong fire-blue which appears to be from oxidation which has been scrubbed out. There is some other scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear including wear around the stock slot. There are tool marks inside the chamber on the top. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about 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, leather belt harness for the holster and a cleaning tool, all of which appear to be reproductions. The harness and cleaning tool are in Excellent condition. The stock/holster has minor wear, most notable is grinding on the mounting bracket.
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 around 1914-1915 and apart from odd tool marks in the chamber, is in quite good condition. It has serial matching parts and wear which is pretty light considering its age and the typical condition of these pistols, as well as including a nice reproduction stock/holster rig. This will make a great addition to a Mauser or early autoloading handgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!