C96 Mauser Broomhandle help

[loki_81]

Well after much searching I finally found one of my dream pistols, or so I thought.

I found a C96 Mauser Broomhandle that by my research was an antique, made in 1897.

Now being Canadian, I have to go by a different set of rules than those of you that are much more privileged in your rights. I have to make sure that the antiques are both made prior to 1898 and not a prohibited calibre. This broomhandle seemed to fit the bill on both accounts.

Due to the fact that it is a Broomhandle and uber scary looking I thought it prudent to apply for an "antique firearms certificate" with the RCMP. This is not the same as the registry we have, it's just a certificate stating that the firearm is indeed an antique. This would definitely help when the border opened up the package and discovered the antique.

So I get back in my correspondence with the RCMP that this was made in 1898, which absolutely boggled me. In all of my research I've come up with this to be manufactured in 1897.

Now the ball is in my court to prove that this is an antique, and of course the written verification of my seller will not be considered proof. The RCMP are using "The Mauser Self-Loading Pistol by Belford and Dunlap" as their reference source, which apparently gives a vague description of the C96 serial range of 2000 - 4000 being manufactured in 1898.

I would appreciate anyone who could verify if this was manufactured in 1897 or not. Please provide the reference of a hard copy book, including page number and description if this is indeed manufactured in 1897. Thank you in advance.

I've toyed with the idea of ordering in "The Mauser Self-Loading Pistol by Belford and Dunlap" to see for myself what this book says about this serial range. However Canada post is currently on strike so it would be undetermined as to when it will reach me. Is there anyone with this book that could verify that this book does indeed say that this 2000-4000 serial block was made in 1898? If it says that it was manufactured in 1897 would anyone be willing to reference the page number for me (or perhaps send me a scan of the page) so I can politely correct the RCMP?

Perhaps does anyone have "Broomhandle Pistol 1896 - 1936 by Wayne Erickson & Charles Pate"? I've been informed that this book confirms the 1897 manufacture of this 2000-4000 serial block. If so could you please reference the page number for now so I can point it out in my communications with the RCMP. If it truly does provide proof of 1897 manufacture I'll have to purchase a hard copy for my own records.

My C96 Stats;

Barrel: 5 1/2"
Hammer: Cone hammer
Serial: 2xxx
Calibre: 7.63x25 (.30 mauser)
Proofmarks; WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A/N on the top of the chamber. The Ulm Proof House 'deer horn' on right side of barrel. Crown over U on the left side of barrel.
The center section of the rear panel on the left side of the frame is not milled out.

Thanks in advance for any help it is appreciated. It’s taken me quite a long time of hunting an antique C96 down and I’m getting very discouraged. I don’t want to have to walk away from this purchase without fully doing my research.

 

[Jim Watson]

The internet says at:
http://www.g6csy.net/c96/database.html

"October 1897 1900-3999 Gap in serial numbers is filled."

Home page of that site has a list of internet and print references, including Belford and Dunlap but not Ericson and Pate. The Ericson and Pate is scarce and expensive, the least I saw one for was US$469 with one for CDN$600.

You could try for a library loan from information at:
http://openlibrary.org/works/OL5373117W/The_broomhandle_pistol_1896-1936

 

[Jim K]

This may sound silly, but check the law. In the US, many people, including BATFE agents, often define an antique as "Pre-1898". I have seen that, in one form or another, on web sites, in gun magazines, even in a law enforcement publication.

But the law actually defines an antique firearm as "...any firearm ... manufactured in or before 1898..." In other words, made before 1 January 1899. I wonder if your law says the same.

Jim

 

[SDC]

That would be a huge step forward, Jim, but when they were putting this BS together, they looked at the US laws as an example of what NOT to do; therefore, the law specifies "BEFORE 1898", to cut off as many guns as possible from the "antique" category.

 

[Vaarok]

I would suggest contacting the Jan C. Still Luger Forum for references, they are not strictly a Luger forum, and many very knowledgeable experts with original sources can probably weigh in.