Mauser Model 1896 C96 Broomhandle Late Flatside Commercial 7.63mm Semi-Auto Pistol MFD 1900 C&R OK

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LSB#: 170330DP04

Make: Mauser

Model: 1896 Late Flatside Commercial

Serial Number: 2673 2

Year of Manufacture: 1900

Caliber: 7.63mm Mauser

Action Type: Single Action Semi –Automatic Pistol with Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel chamber is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”, The left side of the chamber is marked with a double crowned “U” definitive proof and the left shoulder with “2673 2”. The top rear of the bolt, the back of the hammer, the top surface of the magazine follower, and the rear face of the lock frame stop are marked “732”. The back of the frame and the top of the backstrap are marked “2673 2” and the backstrap is also marked with a script “M”. The underside of the barrel in front of the flat is marked with three scripted characters that could be “J”, “J” and “H” – please see our pictures, as we have trouble deciphering some of the scrips. The right shoulder of the chamber is marked with an “antler”: http://luger.gunboards.com/archive/index.php/t-27551.html indicates this might me a Kingdom of Wurttemberg acceptance mark.

Barrel Length: 5 ½”

Sights / Optics: The pistol is mounted with a “V” notch rear sliding elevator sight with markings from “50-1000” that is pinned to the barrel extension. The front sight is a fixed inverted “V” blade fixed to the top of the barrel. .

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are grooved walnut with 23 grooves that are correct for this model pistol. The grips are dark with oil staining. The right grip shows multiple dings and bruises. The left grip shows several more, including one large deep ding. The grips rate in about Good to Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: The finish is blued. The extractor, safety and the rear sight slider have a fire blued finish, the bolt and hammer are finished “In The White” and the trigger has a straw colored finish.

Finish Originality: The finish is original.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with moderate wear in the rifling. There is light erosion scattered throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few spots of pinprick surface erosion on the top of the barrel extension at the back of the port, the side edges of the rear sight slider and rear sight, and the rear sight ladder. There is also pinprick surface erosion scattered over the front strap and backstrap and small spots of surface frosting scattered over the sides of the frame. The round part of the barrel and the magazine floorplate show surface loss with a plum colored patina forming. The front strap, backstrap and the edges of the magazine, bolt stop, barrel extension, and barrel extension’s side rails show surface loss. There is thinning on the side rails of the barrel extension and the sides of the frame. There are a few tiny handling marks in the barrel with several more on the sides of the frame and the bottom of the trigger guard, and several deeper marks in the backstrap. The serrations on the safety, hammer and bolt show light wear. The grip screw is sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The rear of the frame is slotted for a shoulder stock and the bottom of the grip has a lanyard ring. The barrel extension is tight 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 & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Broomhandle Model 1896 Mauser is certainly an interesting looking firearm. The C96 revolutionized the way many gun designers thought about handguns, and forced countries to re-think arming their soldiers with revolvers. This is a Late Model Flatside pistol with a 5 ½” barrel chambered in 7.63mm Mauser. The serial numbers are all matching and the pistol is correctly marked. The pistol is in about Fine condition with about 95% of its original finish remaining. The bore is gray with moderate wear in the rifling and light erosion scattered throughout. With its original finish and matching numbers, this pistol is very collectable. We have seen a lot of C96 Mausers over the years, but most have been refurbished and of those with original finishes, very few had finishes as nice as the one on this pistol. We think the collectors will be very interested.

Mauser Model 1896 C96 Broomhandle Late Flatside Commercial 7.63mm Semi-Auto Pistol MFD 1900 C&R OK
Mauser Model 1896 C96 Broomhandle Late Flatside
Commercial 7.63mm Semi-Auto Pistol MFD 1900 C&R OK