Police Rework Mauser Red Nine Broomhandle C96 4″ 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,794.00
LSB#: LSB260611FA019
Make: Mauser
Model: 1896 9mm Military Contract “Red Nine”, Police Re-Work
Serial Number: 20305
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1916-1918
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: Approximately 3.9″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel. The original rear sight was removed in the re-work, replaced with a fixed square notch in-line dovetailed to the top-rear of the barrel extension.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut with a large “9” in both grips, filled with red paint. The inside of each panel has “20305” stamped over a previous number marking. There is a “V” stamped on the bottom of the left panel near the lanyard ring. It is not clear if the grips were fit to the gun during a re-work or if they were force-matched later. The grips have even handling wear with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, some small parts are Fire-Blued and some are In The White.
Finish Originality: We suspect that the finish is original to the police re-work. Numbered parts match, but the floorplate and locking block have been force-matched with the previous numbers X-ed out.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5-6/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some light wear, mostly on raised or leading edges. There are scattered spots of oxidation with more notable erosion on the frame under the grips. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The grip screw is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel assembly has light play to the frame. 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 Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm, and the “Red Nine” variants are the most distinctive of any pistol made. During WWI Mauser had two contracts with the military, the first for 7.63mm pistols and the second for 9mm pistols. It soon became apparent that two nearly identical guns with dissimilar ammo was not a good idea. In December 1917, a decision was made to burn a large “9” into the grips and fill them in red paint, with those already issued to be similarly marked in the field. This pistol is a 9mm Military Contract.
The pistol apparently stayed in service after the war, having an IMCC “1920” property mark on the left of the barrel assembly. As part of compliance with the treaty restrictions, the barrel was shortened to 100mm. The rear sight was also replaced with a fixed notch. We have not been able to determine if the rear sight was replaced as part of compliance with the Treaty or if police simply weren’t expected to need to use their sidearm to shoot anything 500 meters away. The frontstrap has the unit marking “S. Kg. 6. 40.”, indicating issue to the Schutzpolizei of the Koenigsberg district.
While the treaty strictly limited arms production, the Germans did refurbish and update those arms they were permitted to have in service, which not only explains the modifications made to the pistol, but may also be why this pistol has some force-matched parts. In Good-Very Good condition, this pistol has about 65% of its metal finish, a fair bore and strong mechanics. This is an uncommon and historically significant pistol that is sure to be of interest to serious collectors. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
-Bud