Mauser Model 1896 C96 Broomhandle 7.63mm .30 Cal Semi-Auto Pistol, 1912 C&R
Sold For: $3,625
LSB#: 200829RR09
Make: Mauser
Model: C96
Serial Number: 90176
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1912
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 with a Mauser banner logo, the left shoulder is marked “90176” 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 “176”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “176”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “176” and the side of the sear disconnect is marked “176”. The rear face of the frame and the rear face of the lock frame are each marked “90176”. The rear of the hammer has “”176”. The inside of each grip panel is marked “176”. The top of the magazine floorplate and left of the follower are each marked “4227”. The stock/holster is marked “160” on the top tang of the mounting bracket. The top of the barrel extension on the left-rear, under the rear sight leaf, is marked “319” (see Our Assessment)
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 walnut panels. The grips have some scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches, most darkened with age and handling. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore, most at the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. The finish is generally strong throughout with several scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is handling wear in grip straps. Some of the marks through the finish show discoloration from oxidation. There is strong fire-blue on the extractor, safety, bolt stop and rear sight slider. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a sharp slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-plus 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 walnut stock/holster with non-matching mounting bracket and a hinged lid. The stock/holster has some scattered light nicks, dings, scratches and scuffs in the wood. The metal fixtures show light wear and minor surface oxidation. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock/holster is in about Very Good condition as not original to the gun. Please note, as the stock/holster is non-matching, it should not be installed on the pistol as this would create a short barreled rifle.
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 1912, produced before the introduction of the new safety hammer. 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 an interesting variation, having the Mauser banner logo on the chamber ring. There is also a non-matching number marked under the rear sight assembly, characteristic of the Mauser banner variation. This pistol was listed by serial number in the book “System Mauser” by John Breathed and Joseph Schroeder on page 116, one of the examples examined to describe this variant. The book notes that several of the pistols examined came in a shipment from the middle east, and may represent an early contract with one or more of the Arabic nations. The pistol is in quite outstanding condition, especially compared to most other specimens, retaining about 90% of its metal finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. Most serial numbered parts match, excluding only the magazine floorplate, follower and the bracket for the stock/holster. This will make a nice addition to any collection, but will be especially prized by collectors who focus on the C96 due to the scarcity of this variant and its high condition. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible pistol CAN be transferred in California and CAN be sold to a California resident as a private party transaction (PPT) at our shop in Simi Valley. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state buyers.
