Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction, this is the Shansei Arsenal Model 17.
The Shansei Arsenal Model 17, often called the Shanxi Type 17 “hand cannon,” is a rare and imposing Chinese semi-automatic pistol produced during the turbulent warlord era of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Manufactured at the Shanxi (Shansei) Arsenal, it is essentially an enlarged and heavily reinforced adaptation of the famous Mauser C96, uniquely chambered in .45 ACP to standardize ammunition with other weapons in regional service. Distinguished by its oversized frame, broomhandle grip, and stripper-clip-fed internal magazine, the Model 17 stands out as one of the most unusual and powerful C96-pattern pistols ever produced, valued today for its historical significance, limited production, and unmistakable presence.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Shansei Arsenal
Model: 17
Serial: 1355
Caliber: .45 Acp
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Ribbed Wood Grips with Engraved Stock
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Shansei Arsenal Model 17 — more commonly referred to by collectors as a Shanxi or Shansei Type 17 “Hand Cannon” — is a rare and fascinating Chinese variant of the famous Mauser C96 “broomhandle” pistol that was produced for a brief period in the late 1920s and early 1930s and later reproduced in limited numbers, making it a standout piece in early semi-automatic handgun history. Originally manufactured at the Taiyuan/Shanxi arsenal under warlord Yan Xishan, the Type 17 was an oversized, scaled-up copy of the German C96, re-engineered to chamber the much larger .45 ACP cartridge—chosen to match the .45 used in Thompson submachine guns that were also produced locally—thereby simplifying ammunition logistics for troops who otherwise faced multiple calibers in the field. Unlike standard 7.63mm or 9mm C96 variants, the Model 17 features a larger frame and extended magazine assembly beneath the grip, a 5½-inch barrel, and a 10-round internal magazine fed by stripper clips, all designed to handle the increased size and power of the .45 round. Original production between 1928 and 1931 is believed to have numbered around 8,500 guns, marked with Chinese characters indicating “Type 17” and the year of manufacture relative to the Republic calendar, with only a small number surviving the subsequent upheavals of Chinese history due to destruction, melting down, or export. Because of its rarity and unusual design, later reproduction batches from the 1980s also entered the collector market, sometimes bearing pantograph-applied markings rather than original stamped proofs. The Shansei Model 17 stands today as a remarkable example of indigenous Chinese weapons development in the Warlord era, combining the distinctive broomhandle profile with a unique big-bore cartridge application that sets it apart from nearly all other C96 derivatives.
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: 17
Serial: 1355
Caliber: .45 Acp
Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 5 ½"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Blade with Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Ribbed Wood Grips with Engraved Stock
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Shansei Arsenal Model 17 — more commonly referred to by collectors as a Shanxi or Shansei Type 17 “Hand Cannon” — is a rare and fascinating Chinese variant of the famous Mauser C96 “broomhandle” pistol that was produced for a brief period in the late 1920s and early 1930s and later reproduced in limited numbers, making it a standout piece in early semi-automatic handgun history. Originally manufactured at the Taiyuan/Shanxi arsenal under warlord Yan Xishan, the Type 17 was an oversized, scaled-up copy of the German C96, re-engineered to chamber the much larger .45 ACP cartridge—chosen to match the .45 used in Thompson submachine guns that were also produced locally—thereby simplifying ammunition logistics for troops who otherwise faced multiple calibers in the field. Unlike standard 7.63mm or 9mm C96 variants, the Model 17 features a larger frame and extended magazine assembly beneath the grip, a 5½-inch barrel, and a 10-round internal magazine fed by stripper clips, all designed to handle the increased size and power of the .45 round. Original production between 1928 and 1931 is believed to have numbered around 8,500 guns, marked with Chinese characters indicating “Type 17” and the year of manufacture relative to the Republic calendar, with only a small number surviving the subsequent upheavals of Chinese history due to destruction, melting down, or export. Because of its rarity and unusual design, later reproduction batches from the 1980s also entered the collector market, sometimes bearing pantograph-applied markings rather than original stamped proofs. The Shansei Model 17 stands today as a remarkable example of indigenous Chinese weapons development in the Warlord era, combining the distinctive broomhandle profile with a unique big-bore cartridge application that sets it apart from nearly all other C96 derivatives.
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/1152593481 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-02-22 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1525 |
