Make: Mauser, imported by CAI.
Model: C96 "Bolo"
Serial Number: 587934
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1923-1930
Caliber: 7.63x25mm (.30 Mauser)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.
Barrel Length: 3.9"
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a banded blade and the rear sight is a "V"-notch tangent leaf marked 50-1000 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece serrated wood. The grips have moderate handling wear with most of the serrations worn nearly smooth, but visible, some areas worn smooth. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. There are no cracks. Overall, the grip panels are in Good-plus condition as refinished
Note: The grip screw is seized, we were not able to remove the grips to inspect their interior.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is heavily worn, barely visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 2/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 20% of its current metal finish. Remaining finish is scattered with most surfaces worn to white. There is evenly scattered surface erosion and light pitting. There are some nicks and scratches. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot, but we were not able to turn it without risking damage to the slot. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, the pistol is in Fair-Good 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 and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: At the end of the 19th century semi-automatic handguns were being adopted by most major powers. Germany was at the forefront of this firearms revolution, a number of prominent designs coming from the relatively young nation. Among the most iconic was the Mauser Model 1896 designed by the Feederle brothers, close associates of Paul Mauser. They developed a number of prototypes over the course of the early 1890s before finally perfecting what would become the C96 in 1896. A number of variations of the design were produced by Mauser over a production cycle that would last over four decades. Mauser's design was adopted by the German military and the company secured a number of contracts with various powers to sell the weapon to their armed forces such as the Ottoman Empire, Italy, Persia and Austro-Hungary. The gun saw extensive use during WWI and was still in service during WWII with the Wehrmacht to a much more limited degree.
This particular specimen is a post-WWI "Bolo" variant of the C96, produced between 1923-1930. The term "Bolo" is of unknown origin, although a commonly held theory is that it was slang for "Bolshevik" as the gun saw widespread use in the Communist Red Army during the Russian Civil War. These guns, officially designated the Model 1921, were indeed sold to the Bolsheviks by Mauser. They are distinguished by shorter barrels and a shorter grip. This specimen shows wear consistent with its age and likely service use over the last century. Despite this wear, the serialized parts are matching. For fans of the classic design this gun will certainly make a fun addition to your collection, and would be a good candidate for restoration. Good luck on your bid!
