Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this RARE and DESIRABLE semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the "Shansei Arsenal" Mauser C96 Broomhandle.
This is a rare Shansei Arsenal-manufactured variant of the Model 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistol. At that time, the Chinese Army was intrigued with the 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistols that had been purchased earlier from Germany. So in the late 1920s, they set out to develop their own design, chambered only for the larger 45 ACP cartridge. An estimated 8,000 were manufactured in the 1929/30 time frame, with several hundred actually imported in the 1980s. They are a close copy of the original 1896 Mauser model in a much larger configuration. Both the Nationalist Chinese and Communist soldiers used these.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Shansei Arsenal
Model: Mauser C96 Broomhandle
Serial: 1052
Date of Manufacture: 1928-1931
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5.5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable Yardage Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Serrated “Broomhandle” Wood Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / Features all serial matching small parts. Both sides of the receiver feature Chinese markings. The front grip strap is stamped “CHINA / .45 ACP” and “BTC / S. EL. MONTE. CA.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Shansei (Shanxi) Arsenal Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” is one of the most historically significant and visually distinctive Chinese variants of the famous Mauser C96, produced during the chaotic Chinese Warlord Era of the 1920s–1930s. Manufactured at the Shanxi Arsenal under the authority of warlord Yan Xishan, these pistols were created to supply locally controlled forces when foreign imports became unreliable or politically restricted. Unlike standard German C96 pistols chambered in 7.63×25mm Mauser, many Shanxi Arsenal examples were chambered in .45 ACP, making them larger, heavier, and uniquely powerful compared to their European counterparts. The pistols often bear Chinese characters on the frame denoting Shanxi manufacture, immediately setting them apart from German-produced C96s and underscoring their regional identity and purpose. From a collector’s standpoint, the Shanxi Arsenal C96 is prized not for refined fit and finish, but for its raw historical importance and rarity. These pistols were built as hard-use military sidearms, often showing crude machining, mismatched parts, and heavy wear—evidence of the harsh conditions under which they were produced and used. Their association with Chinese warlord armies, domestic arms production, and the adaptation of foreign designs to local needs makes them highly desirable to advanced collectors of Asian military firearms. As one of the few large-scale non-German productions of the C96—and especially as one of the only .45 ACP broomhandles ever made—the Shanxi Arsenal Mauser stands as a powerful symbol of innovation born from necessity and a cornerstone piece for any serious C96 or Chinese military collection.
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.
Model: Mauser C96 Broomhandle
Serial: 1052
Date of Manufacture: 1928-1931
Caliber: .45 ACP
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5.5"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Adjustable Yardage Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Serrated “Broomhandle” Wood Grips
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / Features all serial matching small parts. Both sides of the receiver feature Chinese markings. The front grip strap is stamped “CHINA / .45 ACP” and “BTC / S. EL. MONTE. CA.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Shansei (Shanxi) Arsenal Mauser C96 “Broomhandle” is one of the most historically significant and visually distinctive Chinese variants of the famous Mauser C96, produced during the chaotic Chinese Warlord Era of the 1920s–1930s. Manufactured at the Shanxi Arsenal under the authority of warlord Yan Xishan, these pistols were created to supply locally controlled forces when foreign imports became unreliable or politically restricted. Unlike standard German C96 pistols chambered in 7.63×25mm Mauser, many Shanxi Arsenal examples were chambered in .45 ACP, making them larger, heavier, and uniquely powerful compared to their European counterparts. The pistols often bear Chinese characters on the frame denoting Shanxi manufacture, immediately setting them apart from German-produced C96s and underscoring their regional identity and purpose. From a collector’s standpoint, the Shanxi Arsenal C96 is prized not for refined fit and finish, but for its raw historical importance and rarity. These pistols were built as hard-use military sidearms, often showing crude machining, mismatched parts, and heavy wear—evidence of the harsh conditions under which they were produced and used. Their association with Chinese warlord armies, domestic arms production, and the adaptation of foreign designs to local needs makes them highly desirable to advanced collectors of Asian military firearms. As one of the few large-scale non-German productions of the C96—and especially as one of the only .45 ACP broomhandles ever made—the Shanxi Arsenal Mauser stands as a powerful symbol of innovation born from necessity and a cornerstone piece for any serious C96 or Chinese military collection.
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.
