Mauser C/96 Broomhandle Bolo Model, Von Lengerke and Detmold of New York
Description:
The Mauser C/96 was the world’s first truly successful semi-automatic pistol. It became an iconic pistol within its own time. In addition to its use by the Germans, the Broomhandle was popular with the Russians and Chinese, the latter of whom produced their own copies. Astra of Spain is known to have produced copies of the C/96 as well. Winston Churchill is known to have owned a C/96 during his early years in the military. Today, it is well-known for being the basis for the DL-44 blaster that Han Solo uses in the Star Wars films. It has appeared in hundreds of other films, in all its various forms. The Broomhandle saw heavy usage during the Boer War, the First World War, as well as the Russian Civil War, and the Chinese Revolution of 1911. In 1921, a new model of the Broomhandle was introduced. It featured a shorter 3.9-inch barrel, a 10-round magazine, and a shorter grip frame. It could be purchased for export after 1921 with either the classic 31-/36-line wood grips, or a set of hard rubber grips featuring a combination checkering/floral pattern. Becoming very popular with the Bolsheviks, it gained the nickname of “Bolo”, which is shorthand for “Bolshevik.” It was also popular with the Poles, the Lithuanians, the German Freikorps, and the White Russians. The C/96 and Bolo pistols both had a small following in the U.S. thanks to Von Lengerke and Detmold of New York, Mauser’s representatives from 1898 until 1914. Keep in mind, the 7.63mm Mauser was the pistol cartridge high velocity king of the world until 1935, with the introduction of the .357 Remington Magnum (1525 ft/s with a 158gr bullet fired from an 8.75” test barrel vs 1450 ft/s with an 86gr bullet fired from a 5.5-inch barrel). Such a high velocity meant it was possible for the bullet to over-penetrate a human target and do little in the way of damage unless it hit something vital. However, it also meant that the Mauser cartridge would penetrate most existing types of body armor and its flat trajectory increased accuracy at greater distances compared to most revolver cartridges of the era, meaning that a novice shooter could perform well with it. This is why the C/96 was so popular, in addition to the high right of fire that it offered. The Bolo model shown here was imported by the previously mentioned Von Lengerke and Detmold. It sports a pair of the hard rubber grips, of which the left-hand panel has a small crack, which is shown in the pictures. The bore of this pistol is in superb shape for its age. The rear sight functions as it should, though obviously shots taken using the highest setting are not recommended. Mechanically, the pistol functions just fine, and the safety is reliable. Much of the finish is worn, though the “slide” retains most of its portion. This pistol would make a nice addition to any gun collection.
Handgun Caliber: 7.63x25mm Mauser (30 Mauser)
Manufacturer:
Mauser Werke
Model:
C/96 Bolo
Serial Number:
40496
Barrel Length:
3.9 inches (100 mm)
Bore Info:
4 grooves, 1 in 7.9 inches (1 in 200 mm) RH twist
Ejectors:
Auto-ejection
Condition:
Used - Good
Barrels:
Carbon steel
Barrel Type:
Bolo barrel
Action:
Mauser short recoil operated, locked breech
Triggers:
Mauser crescent moon trigger
Stock:
Hard rubber grips with checkering/floral pattern (factory).
Finish:
Blue
Weight:
2 lbs. 6.3 oz.
Sights:
Tangent rear sight with graduations between 100 meters and 1000 meters, fixed front sight blade, sight radius 7.83 inches (199 mm)
Price:
$2,995.00