Post-War Mauser Broomhandle 1896/1930 C96/M30 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 230604BW002
Make: Mauser
Model: 1896/M30
Serial Number: 859470
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1932-1938
Caliber: 9mm Luger (see Our Assessment)
Action Type: Single Action Semi –Auto with Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: 5 1/2?
Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with 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 wood with a large red “9” carved into each panel. The grips have only a few scattered minor marks. There are no chips or cracks. The grips are generally proud to the frame. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 94% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout. The exposed surfaces show scattered erosion under the finish, mostly on the barrel extension. There is some more severe erosion on the frame under and around the grip panels. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The markings are generally clear, there are remnants of a CAI import mark on the bottom of the barrel which has been almost entirely removed. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus 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 & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm. Its features are the most distinctive of any other pistol. In addition to being popularized in Soviet films as the iconic weapon of the Russian revolution and civil war, it was even used as a basis for futuristic weapons like the blaster used by Han Solo in Star Wars. This pistol is a Post-War M30. While there were 1930 models chambered for 9mm Luger, there are a couple of hints that the pistol may have been altered since it came here to the US. First, there was an import mark on the bottom of the barrel which has been almost completely removed and finished over, so it was certainly refinished after import. Additionally, there are odd punch-dot markings on the right of the barrel extension which appear to be Chinese characters or similar, but these also appear to have been added around the time the pistol was refinished. In any case, the gun now looks quite nice for its age and retains a strong bore. It ought to make a neat addition to a collection missing a Broomhandle and after inspection by a gunsmith should prove to be a fun shooter, too. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud