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LOT 456
Military Inspected Mauser 1896 Broomhandle Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Shoulder Stock Rig - Serial no. 352365,
7.63 mm Mauser auto cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
grips. Manufactured c.1915-1921, the 7.63mm 1896 Broomhandle served alongside the 9mm “Red Nine”, overall
very close in configuration to the commercial standard. Blade front and 1000-meter graduated tangent rear sights,
with the three-line Oberndorf address on top of the chamber, “crown/crown/U” on the left and a “crown/gothic letter”
military proof on the right, two-line address on the right side of the frame, “Imperial eagle” on the underside of the triggerguard,
and matching numbers on multiple parts, including the floorplate and grips. Fitted with niter blue small parts, and 34-groove grips. Included with
the lot is a hardwood shoulder stock numbered “444” on the blued iron and hand-scribed “BADLEY” on the left side, a “1916” dated military pattern
brown leather harness with multiple struck-out unit markings, cleaning rod and an extra magazine spring.
CONDITION: Very good, with 75% of the arsenal refurbished blue finish, showing areas of brown patina, a number of light scuffs and dings, and
mild spotting and handling marks overall. The refinished grips are very
good, with some dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
The harness shows mild cracks and scuffs, with some dings
and dents on the stock.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 454
Mauser “Red Nine”
Broomhandle Semi-
Automatic Pistol with
Matching Shoulder Stock - Serial no. 7466,
9 mm Parabellum cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. In
military use concurrently with the 7.63mm Broomhandle, the Red Nine name
comes from the field practice of deeply branding a “9” into the grips; even in
low-visibility situations, a soldier could know what ammunition to load just
by taking hold of the pistol. Blade front and tangent rear sights graduated
to 500 meters, with the three-line Oberndorf address on top of the chamber,
two-line address on the right side of the frame, a New Safety hammer, and
niter blue small parts. A “crown/crown/U” commercial proof is on the left side
of the chamber, with an illegible mark (possibly a military proof) on the right
side. The grips are in the 30-groove configuration with the branded and red-
filled “9” on each side and matching numbers on the interior. Included with the
pistol is a holster stock rig consisting of an unmarked non-regulation brown
leather harness and a matching numbered hardwood shoulder stock which
is unmarked. Writer believes this example to have been refurbished by the
Germans for commercial export in the 1920s.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 90% of the arsenal refurbished blue, showing
some covered dings and pits, areas of gray patina, bright edge wear and light
scratches and handling marks. The grips are very fine, with a few light dings and
nicks. Mechanically excellent. The harness is very fine with some light cracking,
and the shoulder stock is very fine, with 85% blue on the attaching lug, and a
few light scratches and dings on the light colored unmarked wood.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 457
Mauser Model 1896 Broomhandle Semi-
Automatic Pistol - Serial no. 265332, 7.63 mm
Mauser auto cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. The top of the chamber is marked
“WAFFENFABRIK/MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N” and the right side of the frame is marked with the
large “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER/OBERNDORF A.NECKAR”. The left side of the barrel extension is
marked with a single “crown/U” commercial proof mark. Matching serial number on major parts
and partial serial number marked on the top of the cocking piece, back of the hammer and on
the inside of each grip panel. The “crown/crown/U” proof is also on the top of the cocking piece.
Fixed front blade sight with a tangent rear sight graduated from 50 to 1,000 meters. All blue
finish with fiery niter blue on the small components. Fitted with 32 groove walnut grips and a
lanyard ring on the butt.
CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus original blued finish, areas of minor edge wear, handling marks, and some small
surface scratches. The grips are fine with lightly worn serrations and small dings. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The 50 year Collection of Johnny Walker Birmingham Pistol Wholesale.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 455
Mauser “Red Nine”
Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol with Shoulder
Stock - Serial no. 83546, 9 mm cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. Blade front and tangent rear sights graduated
to 500 meters. The top of the chamber marked “WAFFENFABRIK/
MAUSER/OBERNDORF A/N”, a “Crown/Crown/U” proof on the left
and the serial number on the upper left side flats. Standard two
line marking on the right side of the frame, with the milled panels,
niter blue small parts, matching external numbers, stock cut back
strap, lanyard ring and 25-groove hardwood grips with the branded and red filled “9” on each
side. Includes a hardwood holster/shoulder stock, marked “976” on the iron.
CONDITION: Fine, with 70% plus of the faded original blue finish, showing areas of gray patina
and mild handling marks and spotting overall. The rear sight elevator plunger is absent. The
grips are good, with some roughness to the nines and mild dents. The refinished stock is fair,
with cracking at the mouth and chips at the iron. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000