This is a Rare Shansei Providence Arsenal manufactured variant of the Model 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistol. At that time the Chinese Army was intrigued with the 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistols that had been purchased earlier from Germany. So in the late 1920s they set out to develop that design their own, only chambered in the larger 45 ACP cartridge. An estimated 8000 were manufactured in the 1929/30 time frame with several hundred actually imported in the 1980s. They are a close copy to the original 1896 Mauser model in a much larger configuration. These were used by both the Nationalist Chinese and Communist soldiers. The right side of the frame has the Chinese markings indicating adoption in 1930 with the left side having the Chinese factory markings with the left side of the chamber area stamped with serial number 5278. It has the same standard barrel mounted blade front sight with the area machined for a tangent rear sight (which is now missing). Late style small ring hammer, with the old style safety lever. It has crudely stamped exterior markings and serial numbers, and it is fitted with the Chinese manufactured grooved hardwood grips. The exterior numbers are matching. The underside of the butt has the stub for the lanyard loop, and it comes with an original lanyard ring.

Fine with 40% of the thin, much faded original finish still remaining overall with edge wear with blue loss on the frame rails, and sides of the receiver with all the remaining blue finish having completely browned out. The hardwood grips are in very good condition overall, showing even wear across the face of the grips with 40% of the varnish still remaining, fitting nice and tight against the frame. Mechanically functions fine. Rear sight missing.