1923 Broomhandle 30cal Thoughts

ripcord810 · 04-10-2012, 11:03 AM

Found a 1923 Broomhandle for sale about 3.5 hrs away. He is only asking $750 so I am thinking it might be worth the drive. Just wondering your thoughts on this one.

ripcord810 · 04-10-2012, 11:06 AM

Sorry, here are a few pics.

sheepherder · 04-10-2012, 11:18 AM

Pretty rough shape for $750...and you can bet the pitting under the grips is even worse...

Locking block area looks OK...How's the bore???

Can't quite see the barrel...Is it an "M30" ('step' in barrel)???

newluger · 04-10-2012, 11:20 AM

It looks to be an M30 or 1930 Broomhandle by the step on the barrel. Looking at the back of the pistol as if fireing it, there should not be a serial number on the lower half or the pistol. The M30's supposedly have the serial number stamped on the barrel/cannon assembly and the rear upper half. Also take off the grips and look at what is under them. This can be a real sensitive area for rust. Also the frame under the grips should not be stepped.

Hope this helps

Peter

sheepherder · 04-10-2012, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newluger

Also take off the grips and look at what is under them. This can be a real sensitive area for rust.

+ 1

Here's a pic of my M30, which *I* consider to be in very good condition...except under the grips...

ripcord810 · 04-10-2012, 12:08 PM

Thank you for the info. I will be requesting pics with the grips off.. From the sounds of it, doesnt look like I will be making the drive after all.

sheepherder · 04-10-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripcord810

Thank you for the info. I will be requesting pics with the grips off.. From the sounds of it, doesnt look like I will be making the drive after all.

Check GB...I didn't pay any more than $800 for mine; they may be even cheaper now...Keng's was importing some a few years back...

Edit: Forget GB...The prices there are through the roof...

$750 doesn't sound all that bad...Take cash with you...and offer lower, cash in hand...

$650 may be good price...For complete, functioning, fair bore M30...

Alvin should have an opinion on this one...I defer to him...

Douglas Jr. · 04-10-2012, 01:43 PM

Well, it's a Model 1930 (by the serial number, stepped barrel and style of letters).
The gun, as mentioned above, is in rough, "shooter" condition. Loooks like it had been refinished or touched up with cold blue - note the difference of finish shades on the mag area.

However, the price is not that wrong. As said, you might get a better price with cash. But you need to check if everything is working properly. Try to get a three day inspection.

Douglas

LugerMan.com · 04-10-2012, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ripcord810

Found a 1923 Broomhandle for sale about 3.5 hrs away. He is only asking $750 so I am thinking it might be worth the drive. Just wondering your thoughts on this one.

$650 will be a better price for it,

But even at $750 it's a good project.

Restored with relined bore that gun can bring $1200-$1400 and another $300 with wood stock.

Make sure to reline the bore if it's bad, do not shoot it with bad bore and replace the springs like your life depends on it.

It does need another $600-$700 to make it look like new again.
But it can be done.

sheepherder · 04-10-2012, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LugerMan.com

Make sure to reline the bore if it's bad, do not shoot it with bad bore...

Eugene -

Who do you recommend to reline 7.63 barrel???

alvin · 04-10-2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by postino

Alvin should have an opinion on this one...I defer to him...

It's probably made in 1933-1934. Some M1930 in 88xxxx range were marked "德國製" (made in Germany) on magazine well, I would assume those Mauser were made in parallel with "日國製" (Made in Spain) marked Astra 900 in 27xxx range. They were so marked upon the request of an importer. And it's known Astra 27xxx were made in 1933-1934, so Mauser 87-88xxxx should be in the same period.

alvin · 04-10-2012, 04:15 PM

For the price,,,, as we have learned over years, waiting longer probably can find better deal. But waiting longer is a cost by itself. If affordable, enjoy what you like earlier is not a bad choice.

LugerMan.com · 04-10-2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by postino

Eugene -

Who do you recommend to reline 7.63 barrel???

I can do it in to 30 Mauser or 9mm Luger... but you will have to wait for 3 month before I get to it.

I tried several services before i started doing my own, but no one using the alloy to hold the liner in place, everyone i tried using epoxy and it did not hold up to any use, in my tests.

I make a step in the chamber of the original barrel and make a liner with the step as well, then i seat it with an alloy similar to alloys used in pluming, but more heat resistant.

Downside is , you may see finish discoloration on the outside of the barrel. That is why i mostly do it before restoration of the finish.

Not a very hard job if you have the tools for it.

If you searching for someone else to do it, ask them if they use epoxy or alloy to hold the liners.

And ask them about the step in the chamber aria,
I have seen liners moving under stress if there is no shoulder in the chamber.

sheepherder · 04-10-2012, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alvin

Some M1930 in 88xxxx range were marked "德國製" (made in Germany) on magazine well...

My 885460 has 3 Chinese characters on mag well; can't read them (I am dummie), let's see if I can bring it out...

(Mine is a Keng's import)

TheRomanhistorian · 04-10-2012, 06:21 PM

I can't read the third character but the first two stand for Germany, so it is probably 'Made in Germany'. I just don't want to be super assertive since it's hard to see the third character due to the slight glare.

alvin · 04-10-2012, 06:37 PM

I met a few collectors who do not care much on C96 condition, because they collect guns of Chinese provenance. Many guns lost blue, could be mismatched, bore,,, well, at least one guy told me that he did not even look into the bore. They won't refinish nor reline those guns either. The cost is the initial acquiring cost, that's it. On certain degree, I agree, those C96s represent a special category, and could be enjoyable.

Angus Magnus · 04-10-2012, 10:55 PM

There are often deals on broomhandles on GB, you just have to watch for them!
$750 I would say is the most for a decent amount of original rifling, though $650 would probably be my limit for the finish on yours. For a project gun I would probably look for no more than $550. You can occasionally find a junker in the $300 dollar range, but they could be a real gamble.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=268205015
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=272057648
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=281413567

ripcord810 · 04-11-2012, 02:47 PM

After asking to see how it looked under the grips, he replied "it is pretty rusty". Thanks for all the wonderful info, saved me a road trip. I'll keep up the search.

04-10-2012, 11:03 AM	#1
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	1923 Broomhandle 30cal Thoughts Found a 1923 Broomhandle for sale about 3.5 hrs away. He is only asking $750 so I am thinking it might be worth the drive. Just wondering your thoughts on this one.

04-10-2012, 11:06 AM	#2
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	Sorry, here are a few pics. Attached Thumbnails

04-10-2012, 11:18 AM	#3
sheepherder Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal... Posts: 8,195 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 4,462 Times in 2,336 Posts	Pretty rough shape for $750...and you can bet the pitting under the grips is even worse... Locking block area looks OK...How's the bore??? Can't quite see the barrel...Is it an "M30" ('step' in barrel)??? __________________ I like my coffee the way I like my women... ...Cold and bitter...

04-10-2012, 06:21 PM	#15
TheRomanhistorian User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 301 Thanks: 170 Thanked 88 Times in 64 Posts	I can't read the third character but the first two stand for Germany, so it is probably 'Made in Germany'. I just don't want to be super assertive since it's hard to see the third character due to the slight glare. __________________ Michael Nos morituri te salutant - Supposed saying of the gladiators to the emperor ('We, who are about to die, salute you.') 'We are the lantern bearers, my friend; for us to keep something burning, to carry what light we can forward into the darkness and the wind' - From Rosemary Sutcliff's The Lantern Bearers

04-10-2012, 11:20 AM	#4
newluger User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Franklin Tennessee Posts: 119 Thanks: 22 Thanked 10 Times in 7 Posts	It looks to be an M30 or 1930 Broomhandle by the step on the barrel. Looking at the back of the pistol as if fireing it, there should not be a serial number on the lower half or the pistol. The M30's supposedly have the serial number stamped on the barrel/cannon assembly and the rear upper half. Also take off the grips and look at what is under them. This can be a real sensitive area for rust. Also the frame under the grips should not be stepped. Hope this helps Peter

04-10-2012, 12:08 PM	#6
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	Thank you for the info. I will be requesting pics with the grips off.. From the sounds of it, doesnt look like I will be making the drive after all.

04-10-2012, 01:43 PM	#8
Douglas Jr. User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: South America Posts: 948 Thanks: 598 Thanked 584 Times in 254 Posts	Well, it's a Model 1930 (by the serial number, stepped barrel and style of letters). The gun, as mentioned above, is in rough, "shooter" condition. Loooks like it had been refinished or touched up with cold blue - note the difference of finish shades on the mag area. However, the price is not that wrong. As said, you might get a better price with cash. But you need to check if everything is working properly. Try to get a three day inspection. Douglas

04-10-2012, 04:15 PM	#12
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	For the price,,,, as we have learned over years, waiting longer probably can find better deal. But waiting longer is a cost by itself. If affordable, enjoy what you like earlier is not a bad choice.

04-10-2012, 06:37 PM	#16
alvin User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US Posts: 3,843 Thanks: 132 Thanked 729 Times in 438 Posts	I met a few collectors who do not care much on C96 condition, because they collect guns of Chinese provenance. Many guns lost blue, could be mismatched, bore,,, well, at least one guy told me that he did not even look into the bore. They won't refinish nor reline those guns either. The cost is the initial acquiring cost, that's it. On certain degree, I agree, those C96s represent a special category, and could be enjoyable.

04-10-2012, 10:55 PM	#17
Angus Magnus User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Miami Posts: 133 Thanks: 8 Thanked 22 Times in 16 Posts	There are often deals on broomhandles on GB, you just have to watch for them! $750 I would say is the most for a decent amount of original rifling, though $650 would probably be my limit for the finish on yours. For a project gun I would probably look for no more than $550. You can occasionally find a junker in the $300 dollar range, but they could be a real gamble. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=268205015 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=272057648 http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=281413567

04-11-2012, 02:47 PM	#18
ripcord810 User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 139 Thanks: 146 Thanked 23 Times in 16 Posts	After asking to see how it looked under the grips, he replied "it is pretty rusty". Thanks for all the wonderful info, saved me a road trip. I'll keep up the search.