C96 factory Nickel?
 

I just saw a Mauser C96 that appears to have a factory nickel finish. HOWEVER, it doesn't have the buttstock attachment point. Was this done? Can anyone point me to a reliable reference on the subject?

Thanks.

It doesn't have the T-slot cut into the backstrap??? I have a book by Mitchell where he 'restores' an old C96; part of it was opening up a welded-up stock T-slot...

Oh, yeah...WELCOME!!! :D

Thanks for the welcome. I'm on a bunch of boards and didn't know this one was here but got the word when I had a question about this pistol.

So, if the slot was welded then the finish could not be factory. However, I've got to tell you that all the maker marks and edges are sharp. I thought that whoever did it was smart as the sights are not nickeled. However, I misremembered and it was the hammer and safety that didn't get the finish. Such a finish would have been very appropriate in some locales.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wQ_t3ztFr...0/DSCN1643.JPG

Hobie,

Either post here or send me a PM about where in the Shenandoah Valley you live. I work in DC and live in Winchester...

The nickel finish is not original to the gun and may have been applied with minimal buffing, thus largely preserving the marks. The hammer and safety are both part of a sub assembly, which slides out the back of the pistol's frame. It would be interesting to see if the entire sub assembly is still blued and whether it matches the serial number on the balance of the pistol.

I'd already come to the conclusion that it is NOT a factory nickel job. IIRC the numbers DO match. The extractor isn't nickeled but the bolt is.

Unfortunately I might be unable to examine the pistol further because it has already sold. We had a Longue Pistole with the "snail" drum and they apparently left together.

In the 1931 price list, Mauser does list nickel as an option, but not for the C96.
But they could do work charged by the hour, so it could theoreticaly be possible for a commersial C96. In theory that is ;)

Attachment 18811
Attachment 18812

btw.. can someone help me clearify what type of pistol the Model 1930 Zehnlader (10 loader) is? C96 as mod. 1930? :confused:

Model 1930 is a slightly updated version of the good ol' C96. Few minor cosmetical changes like stepped barrel, new style grips and the "universal" safety. Just like to one pictured above.

I guess
1930 M-30 C96 10 Lader with a "fixed" 10 rd. magazine
M-711 C96 had a removable 10 rd magazine
M-712 C96 Schnellfeuer (Reihenfeuer) = full auto model with a
"take out" 10 rd magazine = was called in German "10-Lader"
the 20 rd mag was called "20-Lader"

I'm sorry I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but a nickel
C96? Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!

I've seen them at gun shows in the past with some bubba behind them beaming like the cat the just 'et the canary...

Eeeeeeeeeew!

Jerry

Maybe a presentation piece??? Did you inspect the backstrap closely??? Take the grips off maybe???

I have had several handguns in nickle; very nice looking examples. A nickle C96 would make a very nice desk ornament. :)

(Or if in Texas, a hood ornament...) :rolleyes: