German Guns   Chinese C96

The Mauser 1896 Shansei "BROOM HANDLE" Chinese Variations Thanks to Kyrie Ellis / Moderator - Cruffler_Forum on Yahoo Groups for his contribution for the chinese pages ...   This Shansei is one of the pistols imported by FedOrd/Briklee, and so is something of a controversial pistol. There are two schools of thought on these recently imported Shansei .45 C96's. The proponents of one school of thought (composed primarily of those who owned examples of these relatively rare pistols before these examples were imported) holds that these recent imports are also of recent manufacture, and were made up specifically for the US collector market. The other school of thought (composed primarily of purchasers of these recently imported pistols) hold that these are authentic Shansei .45 C96's, produced in the late 1920's or early 1930's. There is no real evidence either way, and the Chinese aren't saying anything. All of the objectections and proof offered by both sides of this controversy can be interpreted to support both sides of the argument. Speaking for myself, I have no opinion concerning which school of thought is correct - there is just not enough evidence to make a judgment, in my opinion.   Left side of a Shansei produced C96 in .45 ACP. The Shansi Arsenal was located at Sinhsien near Taiyuan in Shansi province. According to Erickson & Pate in their superb "The Broomhandle Pistol 1896 - 1936"Beginning in approximately 1929, the Shansi Arsenal began production of copies of the C96 Mauser chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. There were approximately 8500 of these pistols produced. Relative to C96's chambered for the 7,63 Mauser this is a huge pistol. I've included some objects in this photo (including a couple of period boxes of US .45 ACP ammunition) to provide scale.   Close up of the markings in the left frame panel. I'm told these markings translate to "Type One". I have adjusted the contrast of this photo for greater clarity.   Right side of a Shansei .45 ACP C96. Note the Chinese characters in the place one would normally find the Mauser name and address.   Close up of the right side Chinese characters. I'm told these indicate Nationalist Chinese manufacture at the Shansi Arsenal in 1929. The trigger serial number is also visible in this photograph, though it is not highlighted with lacquer.   Rear of the Shansei .45 ACP C96. Note the serial number placement on the frame and hammer.   Top rear of the Shansei .45 ACP C96. Note the bolt serial number and the Nationalist Chinese proof mark on the right of the bolt.