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Export Only Pre-War C96 Broomhandle marked "Germany"


Kanemono
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Here is a standard Pre-War 1896, C96 Broomhandle Mauser in 7.63mm Mauser. These guns were produced for export only due to postwar treaty terms, hence the gun is marked "Germany" on the left panel. The Chinese were particularly enthused with the Mauser C96 broomhandle in 7.63 mm Mauser, a gun that could be used as a traditional pistol or, when fitted with its detachable stock, as a short-barreled carbine. The cartridge was potent and the guns very reliable. Best of all, as handguns had been specifically exempted from the Arms Embargo of 1919, the C96s could be legally sold by any of the countries (except Germany) that had signed or supported that legislation. Germany sold their pistols through other countries. From 1916 to 1936, about 300,000 such Mausers made their way into China. Some were surplus from World War I; the majority of these Mausers were newly manufactured for the Chinese trade. The most frequently sold variations included the Wartime Standard Commercials, the early and late postwar Bolos, and the 1930 Commercials. This pistol has Chinese made buffalo horn grips and silk tassel. It also has its original cut-away Chinese holster. This is one of the thousands of Mauser pistols imported to the U.S. from China in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. When these guns were imported I was able to open a number of the crates direct from China and choose pistols I wanted. The crates contained some holsters that were thrown in with the broomhandles. This pistol and unusual cutaway holster were packed together. The coin on a string was attached to the hammer. Here is a bad photocopy of a photograph of the Japanese surrender in 1945 at Mai-Yuen China showing the Chinese guards with this style of holster.

 

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Brian Keith

Nice looking C96. Lucky you could cherry pick the imports. My wife bought one at a gun show in the late '80's, it is much rougher and was converted to 9mm. It came with a new made holster. The coin and tassel are interesting. Can it be fired while in that holster?

Thanks for posting it.

BKW

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Hi Brian,

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I was lucky to have been able to go through some of the crates before anyone else. Two friends and I bought a bunch of the Mausers, holsters and some interesting shoulder stock knives. All gone now. I believe that the pistol can be fired while in the holster. I never tried to shoot any of the imported Mausers. Too dangerous.

Dick

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  • 8 months later...

My great Uncle brought one of these home from the US-Mexican border War 1916. He was in the New Hampshire National Guard and down on the border for 6 months. Also brought home some other nice souvenirs that luckily my father was able to save.

 

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