In 95% ,very sharp condition we have an extremely interesting Mauser 1917 production 1896/12 Commercial Military Issue “Broomhandle Pistol“ in 7.63mm caliber. This pistol is triple proof marked; it has the German Imperial Army inspection proof plus a w-n 1917 Austrian acceptance proof indicating WWI service with the Austro-Hungarian Empire and post war use as evidenced by the 1930 dated Army proofmark. The Pistol also has a WWI Austrian Army unit marking on the rear tang. The pistol is all matching and the bore is excellent as well.
This pistol saw service with an Austrian Infantry Unit during the first World War and continued on in Service being re-proofed in 1930. Prior to WWII the pistol would have been absorbed by the German Army and would have seen Service in WWII as well. It was brought back to the U.S. as a war trophy. Certainly one of the most interesting Brooms we have had, and one that you can say saw action in both world wars.
