Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm .30 Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1918 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2175
LSB#: 210913BM04
Make: Mauser
Model: C96
Serial Number: 390888
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1918
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 “390888” 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 “888”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “888”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “78 59”. The sear is marked “888”. The rear face of the frame is marked “390888”. The rear face of the lock frame is marked “390888”. The rear of the hammer has “888” and “NS” monogram. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “888”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “888”. Several parts have crowned letter Imperial German inspection marks. The left of the barrel extension is marked “R.S.H.A.” and “IV / 6B”, we believe these to be unit markings, but we have not been able to determine what they refer to.
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-moderate handling wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The serrations show some wear, most notable on the right panel toward the bottom, but are generally well defined. There is wear on their bottoms from a previously installed lanyard ring. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, the magazine floorplate shows treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, most at the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the bottom of the barrel and magazine floorplate. There is some light finish wear, most on the barrel and floorplate, but there is also a spot of wear on the rear of the frame below the lock frame. There is scattered minor surface oxidation and infrequent erosion, most on the floorplate and along the barrel extension’s frame rails. 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: None.
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 1918 and has some interesting markings. It has what appears to be a unit marking, but we were not able to determine what the markings represent. It has serial matching parts, with the exception of its locking block, and wear which could be considered light considering the typical wear of WWI issued firearms. This will make a great addition to a WWI military or early autoloading handgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!