Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this historical semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction; this is the Shansei Type 17 Broomhandle (Shanxi Type 17 1928 1st Issue).
This Shanxi Type 17 is a highly sought-after first-issue original because it retains the correct Republic Year 17 (1928) “Made in Shanxi Province” frame marking, executed in the deep, uneven, hand-cut characters that are characteristic of genuine Taiyuan Arsenal production rather than later pantograph-engraved reproductions. This early date places the pistol squarely within the initial production run ordered under Yan Xishan during the Warlord Era, when the design was purpose-built as an enlarged Mauser C96 to chamber .45 ACP and standardize ammunition with locally issued Thompson submachine guns. Surviving examples from this first issue are scarce due to limited original production and widespread attrition through wartime use and post-1949 scrapping, making authenticity, correct markings, and original machining quality critical to collector value. The presence of these period-correct features on this example confirms it as a true early Shanxi Arsenal pistol and explains why first-issue Type 17s are among the most desirable and historically significant of all Chinese Broomhandle variants.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Shansei Arsenal
Model: Shanxi Type 17
Serial: 1220
Date of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Original 14 Grooved Wooden Broomhandle Grip and Original Shoulder Stock/Holster with Carrying Straps
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The serial number is stamped on the left chamber flat, the top of the backstrap, the back of the hammer, the top of the bolt, and on the right side of the trigger. On the front strap is marked “CHINA 45ACP” and “BTC MONTE”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Shanxi Type 17 pistol, manufactured by the Shansei (Shanxi) Arsenal in 1928, represents one of the most distinctive and historically significant derivatives of the Mauser C96 “Broomhandle.” Chambered in .45 ACP and built on an enlarged C96-pattern frame, this example reflects the Taiyuan Arsenal’s response to logistical demands during China’s Warlord Era, when Yan Xishan sought to standardize ammunition with locally issued Thompson submachine guns. Finished in blue and fitted with a 5½-inch barrel, blade front sight, and adjustable tangent rear sight, the pistol retains its correct original 14-groove wooden broomhandle grips as well as the highly desirable original shoulder stock/holster with carrying straps, further reinforcing its authenticity and collector appeal.
Model: Shanxi Type 17
Serial: 1220
Date of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Tangent Rear
Stock/Grips: Original 14 Grooved Wooden Broomhandle Grip and Original Shoulder Stock/Holster with Carrying Straps
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The serial number is stamped on the left chamber flat, the top of the backstrap, the back of the hammer, the top of the bolt, and on the right side of the trigger. On the front strap is marked “CHINA 45ACP” and “BTC MONTE”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Shanxi Type 17 pistol, manufactured by the Shansei (Shanxi) Arsenal in 1928, represents one of the most distinctive and historically significant derivatives of the Mauser C96 “Broomhandle.” Chambered in .45 ACP and built on an enlarged C96-pattern frame, this example reflects the Taiyuan Arsenal’s response to logistical demands during China’s Warlord Era, when Yan Xishan sought to standardize ammunition with locally issued Thompson submachine guns. Finished in blue and fitted with a 5½-inch barrel, blade front sight, and adjustable tangent rear sight, the pistol retains its correct original 14-groove wooden broomhandle grips as well as the highly desirable original shoulder stock/holster with carrying straps, further reinforcing its authenticity and collector appeal.
This particular example is especially sought after as a first-issue original, evidenced by its correct Republic Year 17 (1928) “Made in Shanxi Province” frame marking, executed in the deep, uneven, hand-cut characters consistent with genuine Taiyuan Arsenal production rather than later pantograph-engraved reproductions. With a serial number of 1220, it falls squarely within the early production range, placing it among the initial pistols produced before attrition from hard wartime service and post-1949 scrapping dramatically reduced surviving numbers. The combination of early manufacture, correct markings, original configuration, and complete accoutrements firmly establishes this pistol as a true early Shanxi Type 17 and explains why first-issue examples are regarded as some of the most desirable and historically important of all Chinese Broomhandle Mauser variants.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the original shoulder stock/holster with carrying straps pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1147039904 |
BidPrice: |
1800 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-01-25 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
2792 |
