Mauser C96 Model 1930 M30 Broomhandle 7.63mm 5.5″ Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
WOA#: WY240530SS008
Make: Mauser
Model: C96, Model 1930 (M30)
Serial#: 882710
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1932-1934
Caliber: 7.63x25mm
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.
Markings: The left side of the barrel extension is marked with the serial number “882710” under a double crowned “U” Imperial-era German proof. The top of the chamber ring is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR / D. R. P. u. A. P.”. The top-front of the frame, in front of the magazine well, is marked “2710”. The rear of the bolt is marked with a crowned “u”. The top of the bolt stop is marked “R”. The top of the lock-frame is marked “2710”. The magazine floorplate is marked “2994”.
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade and the rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent leaf marked 50-1000 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece serrated wood. The grips have minor handling wear with a few light marks. The serrations are cut a little roughly, but are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, some parts have been replaced (notably the floorplate).
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with the most notable finish wear on the sight-arm. There is scattered light erosion under the finish with more notable erosion on the grip frame under the grips. There are scattered light handling marks, minor nicks and scuffs. The action shows light operational wear. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. The screwhead is tooled but remains serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: A total of ten stripper clips are included.
Our Assessment: At the end of the 19th century semi-automatic handguns were being adopted by most major powers. Germany was at the forefront of this firearms revolution, a number of prominent designs coming from the relatively young nation (it took its modern form in 1871 following the Franco-Prussian War). Among the most iconic was the Mauser Model 1896 (remembered as the C96), designed by the Feederle brothers (Fidel, Friedrich and Josef) whom were close associates of Paul Mauser, the owner of the famous German arms manufacturer, and they all worked at Mauser’s experimental workshop. They developed a number of prototypes over the course of the early 1890s before finally perfecting what would become the C96 in 1896. A number of variations of the design were produced by Mauser over a production cycle that would last over four decades; most featured a 10 round fixed internal magazine that was loaded with stripper clips. Most C96s were chambered for the 7.63x25mm cartridge and a number were later also chambered for 9mm Luger rounds (several other chamberings exist as well, but these are the two most common by far). Mauser’s design was adopted by the German military and the company secured a number of contracts with various powers to sell the weapon to their armed forces; this included the Ottoman Empire, Italy, Persia and Austro-Hungary. The gun saw extensive use during WWI and was still in service during WWII with the Wehrmacht to a much more limited degree.
This particular specimen is a Model 1930 variant of the C96 chambered for 7.63mm Mauser rounds. The gun is distinguished by the patent mark added to the Model 1930 “D. R. P. u. A.P.” indicating the gun was patented in both Germany and abroad. These guns were produced between 1930 until 1937 with early specimens constructed with a 5.2” barrel and later production specimens given 5.5” barrels. The gun has been refinished, so it looks great for its age and retains a quite nice bore. This is a beautifully constructed old pistol that should make a worthy addition to any historical firearms collection. Good luck on your bid!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
