CAI Import Mauser C96 Broomhandle 9mm 5.5″ Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,326
WOA#: WY231113PC009
Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser, Oberndorf
Model: Mauser C96
Serial#: 152653
Year of Manufacture: This is a mixed matched pistol. The barrel extension dates 1910. The frame dates 1911-1915. The Lock Frame dates 1923-1930.
Caliber: 9mm (Likely rebored by CAI).
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.
Markings: The top of the barrel chamber is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF” with the A/N partially faded, the left flat with a double crowned “U” and the left shoulder “112683”. The top rear of the bolt is marked with “6975” with a double crowned “U” and the top of the bolt stop is marked “1803. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR”. The rear face of the frame is marked with “152653”. The rear face of the hammer is marked with a “S” stamped over the top of a “N” (New Safety-Introduced in about 1915) and “528”. The rear of the lock frame is marked “511528”. Top of the magazine floorplate is marked “1890”. .
Barrel Length: 5.5”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed by the muzzle. The rear sight is a tangent leaf marked 50-1000 inclusive in increments of 50mm up to 500 and then increments of 100mm up until 1000.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece serrated wood. There is a lanyard ring fixed to the butt-strap. The grip panels have HEAVY handling wear. There serrations are all but gone. There are dents and compression lines throughout. Overall, the grip panels are in Poor condition. There are no chips or cracks.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some light erosion concentrated in the grooves. On a scale of 1-10, the bore rates about 8/10 as a C&R. The bore was likely rebored by CAI.
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 until the 1960s.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 20% of its metal finish. There are some light-moderate handling marks, nicks and scuffs on the gun’s metal surfaces. Notably, there is routine wear along the leading edges . There is some minor erosion throughout. Some markings are slightly faded, but most remain clear. The screwhead is lightly tooled and remains serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Fair condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The rear of the frame is slotted for a shoulder stock. The barrel extension fits snuggly to the frame. 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 and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The C96 “Broomhandle” Mauser, a revolutionary semi-automatic pistol produced by German manufacturer Mauser in 1896, is notable for its distinctive grip, resembling a broom handle. Among the first of its kind, it featured a 10-round internal magazine, initially chambered in 7.63x25mm Mauser, and was known for its power and long barrel. The C96 also had a wooden holster that could double as a stock, enhancing accuracy and range. Widely used globally, it gained fame in World War I and various international conflicts, favored by figures like Winston Churchill. With several models and calibers introduced over its production life, including a fully automatic version, the C96 has become a collectible item, recognized for its historical significance and influence on future pistol designs.
This particular specimen was imported by Century Arms with a few mix matched parts and was rebored to 9mm. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!
