Opinions on this C96 Mauser (Broomhandle)

[browningautorifle]

To see if it brings up any rust on the internals.

I don't think it'll do anything.

[jasonafair]

Any guess as to value?

[browningautorifle]

You're in FLA and I'm in Canada, our prices don't reflect yours...maybe have a look at some of the gunauctions online and see what pistols like yours are SELLING for...not asking...

[RCS]

What condition is the bore ? also hoe many groves ? even reblued, bore condition is important as a refinished Mauser is more
likely to be shot more often than all original. I would value my M96 at between $1800 to $2000, if reblued cut that price in half

[jasonafair]

6 grooves. Bore looks good but I wouldn’t call it bright. Maybe after I clean it better...

[Patrick Chadwick]

The very first photo in the very first post shows the "U" proof stamp with completely abraded edges.

This pistol has been heavily scrubbed and refinished. Which is a serious killer-criterion for a collector.
Nevertheless, it's still probably worth 1K or so, just because it's a C96.

And Jim has made the right comment: see what they are actually selling for. I have recorded sale prices for my guns for years, so I have a fair idea what they might fetch at auction. Bottom-value estimates are recorded in a spread sheet, with a warning to my heirs that if they are offered less, someone is taking advantage of them. In some cases - the Garand, for instance - the prices are now so sky-high and rising, that it is hard to believe what I actually paid.

[jasonafair]

Thanks all for the replies. I knew it wasn’t going to be a museum piece but was surprised at the refinishing when the package arrived. At least it looks like a nicely done refinish. Based on the feedback, it is worth a little more than I paid so that is good. It will make a nice shooter I believe. I have ordered a repro wood stock so we’ll see how that goes.