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LOT 1519
Very Scarce Chinese Taku Naval Dockyard Flatside C96 Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol with
Ownership Note - Serial no. 1478, 7.63 mm Mauser auto cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips.
Initially constructed in 1880, with the purpose of servicing a fleet of
ships which had mostly been purchased from foreign powers, the
Taku Naval Dockyard was located about 75 miles south of Beijing
and over time would grow in size and scope of facilities. By the 1920’s the facility was producing
warships domestically and servicing foreign made ships, as well as having branched out into small arms
production, manufacturing small artillery pieces, machine guns, and C96 pattern pistols such as this
example. Unlike many of the weapons manufactured during the period of the Chinese Civil War, those
made at Taku Dockyard are often cited as being of very fine quality, a claim that this pistol supports.
These pistols were used heavily through the various periods of the Chinese Civil War, and surviving
examples in any condition are scarce. It is numbered similarly to Mauser produced examples with the full serial number on the rear of the “flatside” pattern frame, left side of the rear sight, and the top rear of the barrel extension, and last three digits on the hammer. The grips are both numbered to the gun internally. The only other markings on the gun are in English, with “TAKU NAVAL/DOCKYARD” stamped on top of the barrel extension over the breech. It is fitted with blade and tangent sights, a large ring hammer, grooved grips, and a lanyard loop and ring on the butt. Included with the pistol is a small handwritten document with Chinese characters that was found lodged between the grips when it was previously disassembled that has been translated to be an ownership certificate of sorts, naming a Chinese policeman in the 1970s as the owner.
LOT 1521
Excellent Astra Model 900 Broomhandle Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Chinese Contract Markings
- Serial no. 27804, 7.63 mm Mauser auto cal., 5 3/8 inch
round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. Introduced
in 1927, the Astra 900 closely emulated the style and
function of the Mauser 1896 Broomhandle, with both
finding great sales success in China. Blade front and
1,000 meter tangent rear sights, with the “P in shell” proof on the right side of the barrel, chamber and frame, and the three line Astra address and patent date on the side plate over a set of Chinese markings. A large ring hammer is present, with niter blue safety
LOT 1522
Chinese C96 Broomhandle
Semi-Automatic Pistol with
Uniquely Marked Chamber -
Serial no. 0395, 7.63 mm Mauser
auto cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, hardwood grips. One
of the most popular handguns in China in the early 20th century,
the Broomhandle was sought out for both its impressive firepower and fine ergonomics. Due to it’s extreme popularity, Mauser found itself sharing space with the Spanish Astra Broomhandle, and Chinese made copies of a wide range of quality. This example is very well made, showing minor dimensional differences and bearing a set
of three Chinese symbols on top of the chamber. Blade front and 1000-meter rear sights, with
matching numbers present on the trigger housing, frame, trigger and the serrated grips. No Mauser markings or German proofs are present as would be expected.
CONDITION: Very good, with 30% of the arsenal blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina overall, mild spotting and scattered handling marks. The heavily worn grips are fair, with some mild dings and dents and some wear on the grip screw. The locking block does not fully engage, and as currently configured the hammer
does not reach the firing
pin, otherwise mechanically
functions fine.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
and trigger, and a set of 12-groove grips. A China War
Memorial Medal (a Nationalist/ROC decoration for veterans of World War II/2nd Sino-Japanese War)
is included.
CONDITION: Excellent, with 98% of the original blue finish, showing some light handling marks and
edge wear overall, along with vivid niter blue on the small parts. The grips are excellent, with some light dents and minor verdigris buildup.
Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
CONDITION: Good, showing mostly a mottled grey and brown patina overall with some faint traces of old refinished blue in some sheltered areas and some scattered patches of light surface pitting. The grips are also good showing even moderate wear, consistent with years of
significant use, and some scattered minor
dings. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1520
Desirable Chinese
Shansei Arsenal 45
ACP Broomhandle Pistol - Serial no. 1703, 45 ACP cal., 5 1/2 inch
round bbl., blue finish, hardwood grips. One of the most popular
handguns in China, the Mauser Broomhandle would become one
of the signature weapons of the Second Sino-Japanese War, with
both original and Chinese arsenal manufactured Broomhandles
extensively used by both the Nationalist and Communist forces
against the Japanese (and later against each other). This style of
Broomhandle is chiefly associated with the Nationalist-run Shansei
Arsenal, upscaling the classic Broomhandle design to the 45 ACP
cartridge, which was readily available due to American material support against Japan. The right side
of the frame is marked with a series of Chinese characters, and the left side has the Chinese factory
markings, with the left side of the chamber area stamped with serial number “1703”. Blade front and
tangent rear sights, graduated to 1,000 meters, with import marks on the gripstraps, a small ring hammer,
and ribbed grip panels.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 75% of the original blue finish, showing areas of mixed brown and gray patina, mild spotting and light handling marks. The grips are very good, with some mild dents. Mechanically very good.
370 Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500