Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle Cone Hammer 7.63mm .30 Semi-Auto Pistol Antique

SOLD FOR: $3625

LSB#: 210721TS72

Make: Mauser

Model: C96

Serial Number: 11862

Year of Manufacture: 1898

Caliber: 7.63mm Mauser

Action Type: Single Action Short-Recoil Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel extension’s chamber ring is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the left has a crowned “U” and the right has an Oberndorf proof marking. The bottom of the barrel has inspection markings. The bottom of the bolt has a crowned “U”, also found on the bolt locking block. The top of the bolt stop is marked “11862”. The firing pin plate is marked “11862”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “11862”, found again on the bottom of the lug for the stop on the barrel extension. The rear of the trigger block (inside the frame) is marked “11862”, found again on the top of the trigger spring block (inside the frame in front of the trigger), inside the magazine floorplate, the left of the magazine follower, the bottom of the lock mechanism frame, the side of the sear arm, and stamped inside each grip panel, the rear of the hammer has “1862”. The top of the lock mechanism frame is marked “S E” and there are a few other small inspection marks.

Barrel Length: 5 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-500” 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 walnut panels. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks, scuffs and areas of thinning finish. There is a minor chip in the front edge of the left panel. The serrations are well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, some parts In The White, a few small parts Strawed or Fire-Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong toward the top-rear, mostly on the barrel extension. Other surfaces have mostly gone to a light patina with edges worn to white. The grip areas show handling wear. There is some scattered light oxidation and minor erosion. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches, most notable is a nick in the front sight at the top-front. The markings are clear. The screw head is lightly disfigured with a useable slot. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

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 very distinctive with its tangent rear sight, forward magazine, grasping tabs for the bolt and ring hammer. In addition to being used in the Great War, popularized in Soviet films as the iconic weapon of the Russian revolution and civil war, it was also used as a basis for futuristic weapons like the blaster used by Han Solo in Star Wars. This pistol was made in 1898, produced before the Italian contract which introduced the flat-side frames. Known as a “Cone Hammer” among collectors, this pistol has several early features including the first styles of trigger assembly, safety, firing pin block and extractor. It has an early style sight with graduations which only go out to 500, still quite ambitious but more realistic than 1,000. The distinctive “Cone Hammer” preceded the later large and then small ring hammers which would be used for most of production. Most C96 pistols of this era show quite a bit more wear, due to both their age and being produced during, and frequently used for, some of the most devastating conflicts of the 20th century. This example is in quite nice condition, especially compared to most other specimens, retaining about 40% of its metal finish, a decent bore, strong mechanics, and all-matching serial numbered parts. For the collector missing a Cone Hammer C96, this is a great find and may even replace a lower condition one already in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!