One of the most popular handguns in China, the Mauser Broomhandle would become one of the signature weapons of the Second Sino-Japanese War, with both original and Chinese arsenal manufactured Broomhandles extensively used by both the Nationalist and Communist forces against the Japanese, as well as against each other. This example is fairly uncommon on the American market, in that it combines a Chinese workshop or arsenal made "Bolo" style frame with a legitimate Mauser, early-Postwar "Bolo" upper assembly. This specific example is photographed and described on p. 210-211 of "Pistols of the Warlords: 1911-1949". With the heavy use these pistols saw through decades of conflict in China, these sorts of field repairs/assemblies wouldn't have been uncommon, however, surviving examples on the American market are scarce. The frame of this example was manufactured by an unknown party but the right bears imitation Mauser markings that are actually not far off from the originals. There is a discreet import mark on the lower right just above the grip. The imitation Mauser logo on the left however is far more typically, not even close. The rear of the frame is numbered in the standard Mauser fashion, and the rear of the hammer is numbered "169". The upper assembly has standard Mauser markings on the chamber including the serial number "447920" and "crown/crown/U" proof which is repeated on the charging handle. It is fitted with blade and tangent sights graduated to 500 meters, and a pair of serrated hardwood grips.

Good, retains traces of an arsenal applied blue finish, mostly in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a plum-brown patina and light-minor pitting scattered throughout due to years of field use. The grips are good with extensive even wear that only comes from use. Mechanically excellent.