Mauser M30?

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Hello all, I have recently purchased a Mauser. So far, I have tracked it down to a M30 from http://askmisterscience.com/1896mauserbackup/index.html

I am trying to find its value. I checked in a firearm value bible and it puts this gun in the $1500.00 range. It has all the German stamps and is in pretty clean condition. All parts function as intended although I have not shot it. It is 7.63 caliber and has that stamped on the barrel underside, as well as CAI which was the importer.

I am in Knoxville TN and have been trying to find a local who can let me know its true value. Not having much luck there as it seems no one knows about this gun. I have attached a picture here for ease of review. I have many more if needed.

If anyone has helpful suggestions or advice I would appreciate it.

Thank you
Joe


M-30
approx production dates 1930 - 1937
approx qty made ~ 120,000
approx serial nos. 800,000 - 920,000
caliber 7.63 mm
barrel length 5.25", later 5.5"
rear sight 50-1000 m
Type c, d, or e
grip size full size
walnut grip panels 12 grooves
lanyard pivot side-to-side
hammer late small ring
safety "Universal Safety"
safety lever knob through hole
 

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That gun has been heavily buffed and reblued, and the grips are not original. I suspect it is one of many Mausers imported from China several years ago. Most were in poor condition and with worn and cracked grips, so the importers replaced the grips and had the guns reblued.

The stepped barrel was used on the Model 1930, but AFAIK, the Model 30 had the three line frame legend. There are several puzzling things about that gun; I think we need more and better pictures, as well as the serial number.

Jim
 
The orientation of the lanyard ring is correct for a 1930, and the grips, repros or not, have the correct 12 grooves. The address line could be correct as it is stated that early production did not have "D.R.P.u.A.P." ("German and foreign patents.")

It has been refinished, but more pics with the serial number, as Jim K said, would be helpful.
 
AFAIK, the Model 30's with the two-line legend were in the 700k range while the OP's criteria mentions the 800k and up range. But we do need the serial number and some more and better pictures.

Jim
 
Hello all, thanks for the input I truly appreciate it - here are some more pictures to assist in the info gathering. The Serial number is 800xxx - also I was wondering how can it be determined that this is Chinese or German made?
 

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Sorry if I misled anyone. I meant that the gun was possibly one of those sold originally to the Chinese; many were imported before handgun import from China was banned. But the gun was definitely made in Germany, not China.

The import markings translate as "CAI (Century Arms International), St. Albans, Vermont, Caliber 7.63 German."

Jim
 
You were not misleading Jim K - I do not know enough about these firearms to understand all of their iterations. My confusion was, that a lot of people kept calling it a "Chinese clone".

I do appreciate you puttin' in your two cents as it is very helpful. I have been going a little nutz tryin to get intel on this.
 
gyvel - I only show the 800xxx serial number on the upper. I do not see any other number designations on the gun.

I just added some pictures of the back and upper - this sends me to a new place of confusion as there are no numbers at all other than the serial number on the upper.

After more searching I have found many commercial pistols that do not have the numbers stamped. So my guess, is that this is a commercial gun. ?
 

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When those Mausers left Oberndorf, they had all matching serial #s.
Click to expand...

I don't know enough about 1930 new models; Is it possible the serial numbers are stamped in a concealed place inside somewhere?

This is what "Ask Mr. Science says:" Serial numbers -
- full number on barrel
early guns - left side of barrel (same place as Postwar Bolos)
late guns - top of barrel extension, behind rear sight
- partial number on top of lock frame, magazine floorplate

All Mauser 96s I have ever had were more or less WWI or 1920s vintage, and all had the serials outside clearly marked on the back of the frame and the hammer housing. :confused:
 
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After more searching I have found many commercial pistols that do not have the numbers stamped. So my guess, is that this is a commercial gun. ?
 
The frame serial number was normally stamped in full on the rear of the grip frame below the lock frame latch.

Edited to correct the above. Apparently the Model 30 did NOT have the serial numbers on the back, so the above is incorrect.

Jim
 
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James K did you find any of the additional pictures I posted to be of any help. I can post more if you let me know what is the best angle for your viewing.
 
Have you disassembled the gun and looked for any serial numbers placed inside anywhere, or even under the grips?
 
No I have not stripped it down yet.

Due to the lack of stamps on the "backend" it seems to fall into the commercial category. This of course does not guide me any closer to its actual value.
 
I have recently purchased a Mauser.

...does not guide me any closer to its actual value.
Click to expand...


Was it some unusual transaction in which you did not pay what you thought it was worth?
You got it cheap and you want to flip it for its higher "true value?"
You paid a lot and are worried you got beat?
 
The pics sent me digging deeper and I found that the 30 did not have the serial numbers on the back like the older guns have, so they were not specially omitted or removed later.

I still think the gun is Chinese surplus, but it is not Chinese-made. I have seen a fair number of Chinese made Mauser copies (including one marked "Wauser"), and none have the correct Mauser marks like that one does. I will say again, it is Chinese surplus, heavily buffed and reblued, with replacement grips. What is it worth? IMHO, about $1000, tops. I know asking prices on similar guns are higher, but those are asking, not getting, prices.

Jim
 
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