Broomhandle Mauser, need info.

[Greg Bell]

I just came across a Broomhandle Mauser serial number 129xxx. All serial numbers match. According to the owner, it came back with an American Soldier from Australia (although I wonder if it was really Austria). The Trigger does not work and the hammer is in the cocked position. It has some wear from being stored in the shoulder stock. The shoulder stock has no buttcap (actually, the hinge and a portion of the butcap is broken). It has a little surface rust and pitting hear and there. The proofs look like little Ms and crowns.

What have I got here? Is it worth anything? How do I get it fixed?

P.S. I just noticed the buttstock has the same serial number as the gun.

 

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Greg,

Be very careful before you turn even a single screw. An all matching numbered Mauser Broomhandle, with a matching numbered stock, can go for a pretty penny. Even in poor condition. I would recommend getting your pistol appraised by a firm that specializes in firearms.

Good luck.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

 

[Onmilo]

For starters it kind of sounds like the hammer is cocked and the safety is engaged in the 'on safe' position.
There is a lever to the left side of the hammer.
Check to see if that lever is pointing towards the rear sight.
If it is, try to move it downward so that it is pointing back towards your hand.
If you haven't yet pulled the bolt open then keep your finger off the trigger and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, there may be cartridges loaded into the gun and there may be a cartridge chambered so be careful.
If the lever is pointing verticle and won't move you may need to soak it with a little penetrating oil.
A little pitting tells me the pistol wasn't stored well and the guts may be froze up.
If you get the lever free and pointing back towards your hand, get a firm hold on the hammer and press the trigger and ease the hammer down.
You can then grab the tabs at the rear of the upper receiver and pull back the bolt and check to see if the gun is empty.HTH