Lot 483: Chinese Shansei Arsenal Broomhandle Pistol in .45 ACP

Manufactured c. 1929 and subsequently extensively restored, this is one of an estimated 8,000 such copies of the Mauser Model 1896 produced at the Chinese Shansei Arsenal and chambered in .45 ACP. They are a larger but very close copy to the original 1896 Mauser model to accommodate the larger cartridge. These were used by both the Nationalist Chinese and Communist soldiers. The right side of the frame is marked with a series of Chinese characters, and the left side has the Chinese factory markings, with the left side of the chamber area stamped with serial number "2003". It has the same standard barrel mounted blade front and tangent rear sights, graduated to 1,000 meters. It is fitted with the late style small ring hammer, old style safety lever, and grooved hardwood grips. The exterior numbers are matching. The underside of the butt has the stud for the lanyard loop. Includes a loosely fitting, unmarked hardwood shoulder stock/holster, a Chinese marked leather holster with shoulder strap, and a modern canvas wrapped hard pistol case. Provenance: The Klaus Meyer Collection

Very fine, retains 95% plus of the professionally restored rust blue finish and 75% plus of the nitre blue and straw colors with some light edge and muzzle wear and crisp recut markings. The replacement grips are fine with some slightly softened grooves and minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The stock is very fine with a few scattered minor dings and the holster is near new with minimal wear.