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Standard Wartime Commercial C96 Broomhandle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Standard Wartime Commercial C96 Broomhandle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Standard Wartime Commercial C96 Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol, with WWII capture papers, combination shoulder stock/holster, and brown leather belt hanger, #322686, 7.63mm (.30 Mauser), 5-1/2'' barrel, blue finish, 30-groove walnut stock, with late adjustable rear sight marked ''50-1000'', 2nd Type safety, late trigger, extractor, and two-lug firing pin. Serial numbers marked to left diagonal flat side of chamber and top of rear grip strap; new safety markings to back of hammer, and crown-''U'' proofmark to left side of barrel at muzzle. Complete with Oct. 12, 1945 dated bring-back documents verifying this pistol by serial number as a war souvenir to PFC Wilbur L. Wallace of the 74th Engineer Co. Document is marked ''Mauser Cal. 38 #322686 German'' (having erroneously marked the caliber as .38 instead of .30). Veteran's family relates the story of PFC Wallace being billeted in a German home after the cessation of hostilities where the pistol was discovered in the!
home and retained as a souvenir by him. Condition is excellent with just minor high edgewear, very light and minor pitting to flat sides of magazine box. Straw parts retain approx. 90% vivid hues with light toning and minor wear in actioning areas. Grips show light scuffs and minor darkening. Action is crisp, bore is very good to fine with light frosting in the grooves. Matching shoulder stock is marked on top of lug with the numbers ''686'' and has minor impressions, light scuffs, and possibly may have been refinished at one point. Belt hanger is very good and complete with correct wiping rod. A unique and interesting WWI wartime Commercial with WWII bring-back history. Est.: $4,000-$6,000.