Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle Large-Ring 7.63mm .30 Semi-Auto Pistol 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2530
LSB#: 211027DC21
Make: Mauser
Model: C96
Serial Number: 30492
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1902
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 with the serial number “30492”, the left has a crowned “U”, the right has an Oberndorf proof mark. The bottom of the barrel has inspection markings. The top-rear of the bolt has a crowned “U”, also found on the bolt locking block. The top of the bolt stop is marked “492”, found again on the bottom of the rear sight arm and the rear face of the rear sight slider. The rear face of the bolt has “492”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “492”, found again inside the magazine floorplate, the top of the magazine follower, the side of the sear arm and sear, the rear of the lock frame’s retaining arm and the rear of the hammer. The rear of the frame and lock frame are each marked “30492”. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “30492”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight is a “V” notched rear sliding elevator sight with markings from 50-1000, 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 scattered light handling wear with more notable wear on the front and rear edges toward the bottom. The bottoms of the panels have light wear from the lanyard ring. There are some light nicks and scratches. The serrations are well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some parts In The White, a few small parts Fire-Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion and minor pitting scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered light finish wear, mostly in the grip areas, the raised portions of the right frame flat above the grip and on each side of the magazine well. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation and there is some other scattered minor surface oxidation. There is scattered surface erosion, mostly on the front half of the barrel and in the grip straps with more notable erosion under the grip panels and around the stock-slot in the backstrap. The slot shows moderate wear. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is slightly deformed with a useable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about 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 faux-leather zipper case. The exterior of the case has a spot of discoloration where something was written. Otherwise, the case shows light storage wear.
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 around 1902, during a period of design updates and changes. Known as a “Large Ring” among collectors, this pistol has some early features including the first styles of safety, and extractor. The distinctive Large Ring hammer followed the “Cone Hammer” and preceded the 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 75% of its metal finish, a decent bore, strong mechanics, and all-matching serial numbered parts. For the collector missing a Large Ring C-96, this is a great find and may even replace a lower condition one already in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!