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LOT 1390
Excellent Historic Documented Mauser “Bolo”
Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol with Holster and
World War II Okinawa Capture Certificate - Serial no.
688155, 7.63 mm Mauser auto cal., 3 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. Manufactured in Germany c. 1923-1930 for commercial sales, likely sent to
the Chinese market and probably later taken as a trophy by an Imperial Japanese soldier, and
subsequently captured by a U.S. soldier on the Island of Okinawa. Features fixed blade front
and adjustable tangent rear (graduated from 50 to 1,000 meters) sights, “NS” marked hammer,
the three-line Mauser Oberndorf address on top of the chamber, “crown/crown/U” proof on the
upper left, “Mauser banner” on the left of the frame, and the two-line Mauser Oberndorf address
on the right of the frame. With matching visible serial numbers on the frame, trigger housing,
extension, and interior of both 22-line ribbed walnut grip panels, with matching partials on small
parts including the hammer. Includes a Chinese commercial pattern brown
leather flap holster with four oriental characters visible on the
back, along with a numbers matching capture certificate showing
the pistols as claimed by Sgt. Urban N. Schirmer (1913-1977) of the
23rd Ordnance Battalion on the island of Okinawa.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 95% plus original blue finish with some minor
edge wear, limited spotting, some minor thinning revealing some brown and grey patina, and minor
handling marks. The grips are also excellent. Mechanically excellent. The unique holster is very fine
overall. A standout Mauser “Bolo” Broomhandle pistol not only for condition, but its unusual World War
II capture source!
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000
Externally, these Astra pistols are visually similar
to the Model 1896 Mauser semi-automatic pistols, with the
same feel, weight, and firing characteristics, however, their models have
a removable side plate that exposes the internal mechanism. The left side of the receiver is marked “”ASTRA” AUTOMATIC PISTOL CAL
763/PATENTED JULY. 12, 1928/Unceta y Compania GUERNICA (Spain)”. The serial number is stamped on the left of the frame just above the grip panel.
The right of the frame and forward section of the barrel extension/barrel have the Spanish proof, acceptance, and “LL” (1940) date marks. It has a standard fixed, ten-round
internal magazine, with the rear grip strap machined for an attaching iron. Fitted with a tangent rear sight graduated from 50-1,000 meters, fixed inverted “V” style front
sight, twelve grasping groove grips, large ring hammer and lanyard loop on the bottom of the butt. These pistols have an all blued finish with bright niter blue finish on the
trigger, bolt release, rear sight slide, rear sight aperture and extractor. All matching visible serial numbers, including the interiors of both grip panels. Import marked inside
the stock slot channel.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original blue finish with thinning to smooth brown patina on the grip straps, some scattered light surface freckling, and some
light edge finish wear, with sharp markings. Grips are excellent as re-oiled, with a few minor handling marks, and crisp serrations. Mechanically excellent. Stock is very good
as varnished, with some scattered light scratches, and a smooth faded brown appearance on the iron. A desirable example of a scarce German Army shipped Astra 900
pistol with shoulder stock!
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000
LOT 1389
Exceptional and Desirable World War
II German Army Shipped Astra Model
900 Semi-Automatic Broomhandle Pistol
with Holster Stock - Serial no. 33246, 7.63
mm Mauser auto cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, walnut grips. This is an exceptional
example of a late production Spanish Astra 900
semi-automatic pistol manufactured in 1940, one of a reported 1,050 delivered to
the German Army in Southern France in 1943 during World War II, with this example
being part of the approximate serial range 32788-33774 with some other pistols in
the same shipment also in the 29xxx serial range (reference “Axis Pistols” page 120;
“Astra Pistols” page 241), accompanied with a correct type walnut holster/shoulder
stock, numbered very closely to the pistol with “33719” stamped inside the door.