Description:

The Shansei Arsenal made approx. 9,000 broomhandles in .45 ACP, this being one of the earlier examples. It has a 5.5" bbl., a fixed front sight & slip-in rear sight graded 100-1000. Short extractor, single lug firing pin. The left side of the frame is marked with Chinese characters that translate "Type Semiautomatic Pistol" (The earliest of these guns were marked w/a different set of characters that translated "Type 17"). Right side of frame references the manufacturer, year of production (in this case 1929) & location in the Shansei Province. Full S# is on the left chamber flat, top of bolt, back of hammer, subframe, frame & boltstop. Extensive disassembly shows all matching S#s in the usual locations. Each of the original grips is penciled w/ the matching "1601". Lanyard ring present.

Synopsis:

Wonderful Chinese Shansei C96, Type 17 Pistol, 45 ACP, high original condition, all matching with a bright bore. A pistol that would be difficult to improve upon!

Condition:

VG plus original blue w/ sharp edge wear & handling related fading in the usual locations, especially around the bbl., rails & front/back straps. Comparable condition grips w/ staining & numerous handling marks. Bright bore w/ sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. An extraordinarily nice ensemble seldom seen w/this level of original condition & w/ all matching parts.