Make: Mauser

Model: C96, Model 1930 (M30)

Serial#: 854506

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1930-1937

Caliber: 7.63x25mm (.30 Mauser)

Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.

Barrel Length: 5 1/4”

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a fixed 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 minor wear with only a few small marks. The serrations are well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original. The numbered parts are matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. The rifling is infrequent minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. Some areas of the finish have a slight plum hue, most notable under bright light. There are a few scattered minor nicks and thin scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in about Fine 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 and Accessories: This pistol comes with a wood stock/holster with a leather cover and strap. The holster has cracks around the edges where the holster enters. We have not been able to thoroughly inspect the metal because of the leather cover which shows light wear.

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 (remembered as the C96 or "Broomhandle"). A number of variations of the design were produced by Mauser over a production cycle that would last over four decades; most featured a 10 round fixed internal magazine that was loaded with stripper clips. Most C96s were chambered for the 7.63x25mm cartridge and a number were later also chambered for 9mm Luger rounds. The gun saw extensive use during WWI, the Russian Revolution, various conflicts in early 20th Century China, and was still in service during WWII with the Wehrmacht to a much more limited degree. This particular specimen is a Model 1930 variant of the C96 chambered for 7.63mm Mauser rounds. The pistol is in outstanding condition for its age, retaining the great majority of its deep blue, fire-blued and bright finish. This is a beautifully constructed old pistol that should make a worthy addition to any historical firearms collection. Please see our photos and good luck!