Original Mauser C96?

[Favos]

Hello here,

I'm offered the chance to buy a C96, "quasi-new, has never fired" according to its actual owner.
Here are picts, what do you think? Is it a modern copy of this weapon, or an original?
Thanks guys!

[Johnny Peppers]

It looks like a restoration of an original pistol, but the grips aren't correct, and the finish looks like sandblasted and phosphate or blue.

What is the serial number? Pictures too fuzzy to see.

[james m]

Back in the 1980s several thousand C96s were imported from China. Many of them were in fair/poor condition and I know of one importer that was offered 10,000 for $1.00 apiece by the Chinese authorities. No your not misreading that it was $1.00 for each pistol.
I examined many of them and they usually were mixed parts wise, with little of no original finish,shot out rifiling,worn out springs etc. You could buy them at that time for a little over $100.
There was a company whose name escapes me that is long gone that would take your pistol force match it, reline the barrel and replace the springs etc. for around $150. The also made up a lot of C96 "carbines" at that time.
The example posted here looks a lot like the end result from that company. I suspect you have an "original" but restored pistol from that operation as the matte finish is a dead giveaway.
I have a 30 Mauser example that I "restored" my self by cleaning up the surface and replacing all the springs. It's in shootable condition but the bullets keyhole thru the target as it's rifling is just a memory.
Jim

[Favos]

Oh okay... it seems far less interesting so...
Serial is n°880764. Does it help to identify the exact version?

[Johnny Peppers]

Oh okay... it seems far less interesting so...
Serial is n°880764. Does it help to identify the exact version?

That puts it's manufacture in the early 1930 Commercial model range. Original finish would probably have been a high polish hot caustic blue.

Best to walk away from that one if owner thinks it is as new and unfired.

[MikeP]

FED ORD was a big remanufacturer of these in the 80s.
They did a fairly good job.
I have a couple converted to 9mm.
They look brand new.

[james m]

Oh okay... it seems far less interesting so...
Serial is n°880764. Does it help to identify the exact version?

Favos:
No one is trying to give you a hard time here inre. to your C96. We think most people appreciate an accurate assessment of what they have and that's what everyone here tries to provide.

I think Fed Ord is the company I remember doing this kind of work.
jim

[Favos]

I know, don't worry

Thanks for the informations btw!