German Guns   Chinese C96

The Mauser 1896 Hanyang "BROOM HANDLE" Chinese Variations Thanks to Kyrie Ellis / Moderator - Cruffler_Forum on Yahoo Groups for his contribution for the chinese pages ...   Left side of a Hanyang C96 "Broomhandle". According to Erickson & Pate in their wonderful "The Broomhandle Pistol 1896 - 1936" the Hanyang Munitions Works, in Hupeh province southeast of Shanghai began production of copies of the Mauser C96 as early as 1923 and produced about 13,000 Mauser copies. These pistols show a high degree of workmanship.   Right side of the Hanyang C96. The six Chinese character marking in the right rear frame panel identify the Hanyang Munitions Works and the year of manufacture.   This is a close up of the left chamber diagonal, showing the serial number.   Close up of the six Chinese characters in the right rear frame panel. These markings indicate this pistol was made in Year 12. The Chinese calendar begins with year 1 at the Chinese revolution of 1911 (western calendar). Year 12 translates to 1926 in the western calendar.   This photograph shows the serial number placement on the fame and lock frame mechanism.   This photograph shows the serial number placement on the lock frame mechanism and hammer.   This photograph is included as a cautionary note. Note the bowed area at the rear of the barrel extension at the bolt stop. Having worn springs that were unable to resist the force of the bolt as it cycled has damaged this pistol. This pistol would now be dangerous to fire. This kind of damage is not unique to Chinese produced pistols. All Mauser produced C96's can be damaged in this way, and this is something to be aware of and avoid in any shooter C96.