WWI German Mauser C96 C-96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm .30 Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $4725
LSB#: 211002NI14
Make: Mauser
Model: C96
Serial Number: 359803
Year of Manufacture: 1915-1919
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 “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, the right has a crowned letter Imperial German military mark, the left shoulder is marked “359803” 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 “803”. The top of the bolt at the rear is marked with a crowned “U” and “803”. The top of the bolt locking block is marked “803”. The sear is marked “803”. The rear face of the frame is marked “359803”. The rear face of the lock frame is marked “359803”. The rear of the hammer has “803”. The top of the magazine floorplate is marked “803” and with the “NS” New Safety monogram. The inside of each grip panel is stamped “803”.
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 wood panels. The grips show light-moderate handling wear with scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is wear on the bottoms of the panels from the lanyard ring. The wood shows some discoloration from age and handling. The serrations show wear, most notable on the bottom serrations of each panel. 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 mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 78% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is in scattered light finish wear, surface oxidation and minor erosion, primarily on the barrel. There is handling wear in the grip areas and surface oxidation around and under the grips. The rear sight slider has some light surface oxidation in otherwise strong fire-blue, the bolt stop’s fire blue has muted. There are some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear including wear around the stock slot. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good 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 wood stock/holster, leather belt harness for the holster and a cleaning tool. The stock/holster has “Gefr. Vogel / 3/23 b.F.A.R” hand written on the side with the release button, “KD H” hand-carved on the opposite side, and the mounting bracket is marked “803”, matching the pistol. The holster shows moderate wear with a crack across the release spring screw and button, another below the hole for the butt, a repaired crack opposite the hole for the pistol butt, and there are grain-line cracks at a knot behind the bracket on the hinge side of the holster with scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The harness shows moderate-heavy wear with fraying on the straps, broken stitching at the rear belt loop, a hole through the bottom of the cleaning rod pouch, a hole at the location of the bracket latch, and the stud for the ammunition pouch has pulled through the body of the pouch. The cleaning rod shows moderate wear in the handle and has wear and surface oxidation on the shank.
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 was made during the Great War and has a German military acceptance mark. It has serial matching parts and wear which is pretty light considering its age and the typical condition of these pistols, especially those which saw service. It comes with a stock/holster rig which shows more typical wear for these items, likely having taken the brunt of the last century for the pistol. This will make a great addition to a Mauser, WWI small arms, or early autoloading handgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!