Model 1930 C96 Broomhandle .30 Mauser 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,125.00
LSB#: WY241219BS020
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N
Model: Model 1930
Serial Number: 852261
Year of Manufacture: 1932
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser Automatic)
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Markings: The barrel extension is marked, “852261 / Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A/N”. The left side of the frame is marked with a Mauser commercial logo. The right side of the frame is marked, “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A. NECKAR D.R.P.u.A.P.”. All serialized internals are matched to the receiver.
Barrel Length: 5.25”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “V” notch rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is an inverted “V” notch integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece walnut panels with coarse serrations. The grips have a couple of light nicks toward the bottom. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal refinish. There are light scratches and wear marks throughout with some patina on the bottom of the barrel. There is light action wear. This retains its fire blued parts. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition.
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 & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Model 1930 C96 Broomhandle is a semi-automatic pistol chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser), representing one of the later iterations of the iconic Mauser C96 design. Produced by Mauser in Germany, the Model 1930 was developed as an improvement upon earlier versions, incorporating refinements in manufacturing and design while maintaining the classic look and functionality of the original C96. This pistol was widely used across the world, particularly in China, Spain, and other nations where Mauser handguns had established a strong presence. The 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge is a high-velocity round known for its flat trajectory and impressive penetration for its time. It was one of the most powerful pistol cartridges of the early 20th century and influenced later designs such as the Soviet 7.62x25mm Tokarev. The Model 1930 was fed from a 10-round internal box magazine, loaded via stripper clips from the top of the receiver. This system, while effective, was slower to reload compared to later detachable magazine-fed designs. One of the defining features of the C96 Broomhandle is its unique grip, which resembles the handle of a broom—hence its nickname. The Model 1930 retained this distinctive wooden grip with grooved panels, offering a secure hold. The barrel length typically measured 5.5 inches, contributing to improved accuracy compared to many other handguns of the time. The pistol also featured a tangent rear sight, adjustable out to 1,000 meters—an optimistic range, given the limitations of a pistol, but a reflection of the high velocity of the 7.63mm Mauser round. The Model 1930 maintained the straight-line bolt and recoil-operated mechanism of earlier C96 pistols, providing reliable cycling of rounds. It also featured a large-ring hammer and an improved machining process, making production more efficient while maintaining the quality associated with Mauser firearms. The overall finish was typically a deep blued steel, with some variations in later production runs.
This model became particularly popular in China, where warlord factions and later the Nationalist and Communist forces used it extensively. Spanish arms manufacturers, such as Astra and Beistegui Hermanos, also produced their own versions of the C96, inspired by the Model 1930, often with selective-fire capabilities. An important aspect of the Model 1930 C96 was its ability to accept a wooden holster stock, which could be attached to the rear of the grip, transforming the pistol into a compact carbine for greater stability and accuracy. This feature made the pistol more versatile in combat, especially in regions where submachine guns were not readily available.
Although the Model 1930 was eventually phased out with the rise of more modern handguns, it remains a highly sought-after collector’s piece due to its historical significance, innovative design, and connection to conflicts around the world. It is considered one of the last major iterations of the C96 Broomhandle, bridging the gap between early semi-automatic handguns and the more advanced firearms of the mid-20th century. -R.E.
