Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this collectible semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A.N. C96 “Flat-Side”.
The Mauser C96 “Flat-Side”, also referred to as the “Slab-Side”, is among the earliest production variants of the iconic Broomhandle pistol, manufactured primarily between 1899 and 1902. Its most distinctive feature is the smooth, unmilled receiver sides—a design originally developed for a contract with the Italian Royal Navy, which ordered approximately 5,000 pistols, numbered 1 through 5,000. Following the fulfillment of the Italian contract, Mauser continued producing these flat-sided pistols for the commercial market, with collector estimates suggesting around 25,000 additional examples. Eventually, these early models were succeeded by milled-sided versions as production techniques evolved. The combination of early production, unique design, and relative scarcity makes the C96 “Flat-Side” a highly prized variant among collectors and an important milestone in the development of the Broomhandle pistol.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf A.N.
Model: C96 “Flat-Side”
Serial: 25694
Date of Manufacture: 1899-1902
Caliber: 7.63x25mm (AKA .30 Mauser)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable V-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the chamber is stamped with the serial number “25694”. The left side is stamped with a “Crown over U” proof mark. The top of the chamber is stamped “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.N.” The back of the frame is stamped with the serial number "25694".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Known by many names and nicknames across decades and continents—the "Broomhandle," the "Pistole 7.63," and the "Box Cannon"—the Mauser C96 traces its origins to 1896, when it first entered production in Oberndorf, Germany. Developed in the mid-1890s by the Feederle brothers—Fidel, Friedrich, and Josef—while working for Mauser, the pistol was initially met with some skepticism from company co-founder Paul Mauser. Early testing began in 1895, and the finalized design, designated Construktion 96, combined forward-thinking engineering with practical battlefield utility. The C96 featured a fixed barrel for improved accuracy, a top-loading internal box magazine fed by stripper clips, and the ability to attach a wooden holster-stock, allowing the handgun to be fired as a shoulder-stocked carbine. Chambered primarily in the high-velocity 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge, it offered flat trajectory, excellent penetration, and remarkable precision for its time. Over its production life, the C96 underwent refinements to the extractor, firing pin, and receiver milling, while various military and government contracts produced versions with different barrel lengths, minor design changes, and occasional calibers—including 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP—enhancing its appeal to collectors.
Model: C96 “Flat-Side”
Serial: 25694
Date of Manufacture: 1899-1902
Caliber: 7.63x25mm (AKA .30 Mauser)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 5 1/2"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable V-Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the chamber is stamped with the serial number “25694”. The left side is stamped with a “Crown over U” proof mark. The top of the chamber is stamped “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF A.N.” The back of the frame is stamped with the serial number "25694".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Known by many names and nicknames across decades and continents—the "Broomhandle," the "Pistole 7.63," and the "Box Cannon"—the Mauser C96 traces its origins to 1896, when it first entered production in Oberndorf, Germany. Developed in the mid-1890s by the Feederle brothers—Fidel, Friedrich, and Josef—while working for Mauser, the pistol was initially met with some skepticism from company co-founder Paul Mauser. Early testing began in 1895, and the finalized design, designated Construktion 96, combined forward-thinking engineering with practical battlefield utility. The C96 featured a fixed barrel for improved accuracy, a top-loading internal box magazine fed by stripper clips, and the ability to attach a wooden holster-stock, allowing the handgun to be fired as a shoulder-stocked carbine. Chambered primarily in the high-velocity 7.63x25mm Mauser cartridge, it offered flat trajectory, excellent penetration, and remarkable precision for its time. Over its production life, the C96 underwent refinements to the extractor, firing pin, and receiver milling, while various military and government contracts produced versions with different barrel lengths, minor design changes, and occasional calibers—including 9x19mm Parabellum and .45 ACP—enhancing its appeal to collectors.
With its broomhandle-style grip, box magazine positioned ahead of the trigger, and long, slender barrel, the Mauser C96 remains one of the most instantly recognizable pistols in firearms history. Its distinctive design has made it a favorite among collectors and an icon in pop culture. The Mauser’s exotic profile quickly caught the attention of Hollywood and literature alike. In Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, it was the sidearm of choice for SMERSH agents, projecting menace and mystery. Clint Eastwood wielded it with gritty flair in the 1972 Western Joe Kidd, and in more recent years, it has appeared in period dramas such as Peaky Blinders. Perhaps most famously, the C96 served as the design inspiration for Han Solo’s DL-44 Heavy Blaster—arguably the most iconic sci-fi weapon in the Star Wars universe.
Contents:
This example will ship with the wooden shoulder stock.
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/1150263429 |
BidPrice: |
255 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-01 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
490.75 |
