Waffenfabrik Mauser C96 7.63x25mm

Make: Waffenfabrik Mauser Model: C96 Caliber: 7.63x25mm Action: Semi Barrel: 5 Bore: Minty Serial # 506549 Condition: Excelent This is a Mauser C96 ("Broomhandle") pistol, chambered in 7.63×25mm (.30 Mauser). Featured on the cover of January, 1976 issue of “Guns and Ammo” Magazine! It bears Nazi-era insignia that may indicate it was a presentation, commemorative, or custom-decorated piece rather than a standard military sidearm. Collectors’ research suggests that serial 506549 is an “unissued Nazi presentation” C96, meaning it was prepared as an honorific gift but not delivered before the end of World War II. The Mauser C96 with serial number 506549 was manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser in Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany. Its serial falls in the post-World War I commercial production range (approx. serials 434,000–730,000, made 1921–1930 ). This suggests #506549 was produced in the mid-1920s (likely circa 1923–1925) as a standard commercial “Broomhandle” Mauser pistol chambered in 7.63×25mm (.30 Mauser). By that time, Mauser was manufacturing the updated “Bolo” model C96 (with shorter barrel and small grip) and the Model 1930 variant; serial 506549 corresponds to this late 1920s period when many C96s were exported (especially to Asia) . The pistol is marked on the frame with the Mauser factory legend “Waffenfabrik Mauser – Oberndorf a. Neckar” (visible in the images), confirming its origin at the Oberndorf plant. Notably, Mauser’s C96 production ceased by 1937 , so any C96 used or modified during the Nazi era would derive from existing stock rather than new manufacture. Serial 506549 likely began as a Model 1920/1930 Commercial C96. Standard features of this model include a 5.5-inch barrel, internal 10-round magazine, and a tangent rear sight graduated to 1000 meters (the rear sight on this pistol is indeed graduated “50–1000,” per the photos). It would have the “NS” (New Safety) hammer introduced after 1915 and be slotted for a wooden shoulder-stock. In its original form, it likely had Mauser’s typical rust-blue finish and wooden grip panels. However, #506549 is no ordinary commercial pistol – it has been lavishly customized with engraving and special grips (see below), marking it as a presentation-grade firearm rather than a regular service pistol. The serial number is visibly engraved on the chamber area, and all indications are that the elaborate decoration was applied at the Mauser factory (or by factory-authorized artisans) during the Nazi era, several years after its initial production. Nazi-Era Engraving and Markings The defining characteristic of this Mauser C96 is its extensive engraving and Third Reich insignia. Nearly every metal surface is covered in highly detailed scroll-and-leaf engraving. Most strikingly, the sides of the magazine well feature a large circle medallion engraved with the Nazi eagle and swastika emblem, surrounded by a wreath. This is the “Third Reich” national eagle (Hoheitsadler) clutching a swastika, a symbol used on Nazi governmental and presentation pieces. The engraving is of excellent quality – likely machine-rolled with hand-chased details and silver inlaid highlights (described as “roller engraved, silver lined” in one report). The finish appears to be a polished blue or blue-and-bright contrast; the engraved areas may have been left “in the white” or inlaid to accentuate the patterns. In addition to the eagle medallions on the frame, the pistol is fitted with a set of ornate grips. The grips are a light cream color and carved in relief with Nazi iconography. Each grip panel bears a raised depiction of an eagle with outstretched wings atop a swastika emblem. These grips are likely made of ivory or a similar material, custom-made for this pistol. period documents indicate the gun was “fitted with custom ivory grips at [the] Mauser factory in Oberndorf” . Such grips and engraving go far beyond any standard issue, indicating this firearm was intended as a ceremonial or presentation piece. It is important to note that these Nazi-era markings on a C96 are not standard military proofs or acceptance marks – they are decorative. During the Third Reich, a small number of older C96 pistols were re-issued (for example, to police units) and received official stamps (like eagle/C or eagle/L police proof marks ), but the large swastika eagle crests on #506549 are purely honorific. They were almost certainly applied to create a prestigious gift or award weapon, rather than to denote any military inspection. The level of artistry suggests an official commission. Historical Context of Nazi Presentation Firearms Presentation firearms in Nazi Germany were relatively rare and highly prestigious. Top officials of the Third Reich sometimes received decorated weapons as gifts or commemorative awards. For example, Foreign Minister **Joachim von Ribbentrop in 1939 presented a gold-plated, engraved Walther P.08 Luger to former Chancellor Franz von Papen as a diplomatic gift . Likewise, Reichs