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)!
This Shanxi Type 17 is a highly sought-after original because it retains the correct Type 17 “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 example likely falls in the early 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 with the correct markings and original machining quality are 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 Type 17s are among the most desirable and historically significant of all Chinese Broomhandle variants.
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SPECIFICATIONS:Manufacturer: Shansei Arsenal
Model: Shanxi Type 17
Serial: 1120
Date of Manufacture: 1929
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 (The 12-pointed star on the right side of the top of the bolt is associated with the Chinese Republic of the 1920’s), and on the right side of the trigger. On the front strap is marked “CHINA 45ACP” and “BTC MONTE”.
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.
Contents:
Model: Shanxi Type 17
Serial: 1120
Date of Manufacture: 1929
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 (The 12-pointed star on the right side of the top of the bolt is associated with the Chinese Republic of the 1920’s), and on the right side of the trigger. On the front strap is marked “CHINA 45ACP” and “BTC MONTE”.
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.
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.
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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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