Mauser C96 Model 1930 M30 Broomhandle 7.63mm Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,025.00
LSB#: WY250422DM002
Make: Mauser, imported by Oyster Bay Ind.
Model: C96, Model 1930 (M30)
Serial#: 873236
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1932-1934
Caliber: 7.63x25mm (.30 Mauser)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.
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 no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished. The top of the grip frame in front of the magazine well is marked “0692”, found again on the top of the lock frame. The magazine floorplate is marked “420”.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7+/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with infrequent edge-thinning and minor operational wear. There is scattered minor erosion under the finish with more notable erosion under the grips. The screw head is sharp. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition as refinished and not parts-original.
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: This pistol comes with a wood stock/holster with leather harness and cleaning rod. The stock bracket is not serial-marked.
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. Given the environment in both inter-war Germany as well as the various Eastern European and Asian countries to which these pistols were exported, many of them saw heavy use and less than stellar maintenance. This example was refurbished for export to the United States with a new finish, new grips, and a few replacement parts. It is a very interesting 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
