WWI Austrian Mauser C96 Broomhandle .30 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol 1916 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,926.00
LSB#: LSB250828LA003
Make: Mauser
Model: 1896, C96
Serial Number: 363611
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1916 (Austrian 1916 acceptance mark)
Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (.30 Mauser Automatic)
Action Type: Single Action Semi–Auto with Internal Magazine
Barrel Length: 5 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The rear sight has a “V” sliding elevator with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is tapered blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated walnut. The interior of each panel is stamped “611”. The grips have some scattered nicks and scratches. There is some scuffing, most notable toward the bottom of the left panel. Each panel’s bottom serrations are incomplete. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 30% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is scattered, strongest in protected areas and around raised features. Most surfaces show wear with infrequent faint oxidation. There is some erosion on the frame under the grips. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good 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 Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is one of the most visually distinctive pistols ever made, with an internal magazine forward of the grip, short-recoil operating system with a locking bolt and a very ambitious tangent sight graduated to 1000 meters. Introduced in 1896, the pistol was originally a very slow seller. Thankfully for the C96, if not for the rest of the world, the Great War changed all of that, and thousands upon thousands were ordered by the Central Powers for their armed forces. This example is a wartime commercial pistol purchased by Austria-Hungary and accepted by their armed forces in 1916. The pistol is Good condition with 30% of its original metal finish remaining. There were only about 50,000 of these pistols purchased by the Austrians from 1915-1917, and one can only guess as to what number survived the trench warfare of WWI. This example has the unit marking “R2 / 5”, indicating it was not only accepted, but issued. For the WWI, German, or Austrian small arms collector, this is a nice find. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud
