I have a 1896 Broomhandle Mauser pistol in terrible condition. It’s all beat to hell and several key parts had to be replaced. But, it’s functional and was captured by the Vietnamese Airborne Division in Tet of 68. I have the MACV paperwork to prove it. From what I know, it’s one of the models sold to the Nationalist Chinese.
It’s not worth much, but it’s priceless.
When I was in Panama during the Noriega regime, I was offered a Mauser broomhandle. The price was sorta reasonable, as someone had likely fired the gun with a bullet stuck in the barrel. It had a heck of a barrel bulge. I believe it was in 9mm.
The person who had it had been on embassy duty down in one of the South American countries during a periodic economic crises. People were struggling to eat, and he was approached and offered the pistol for a very reasonable price. I turned it down; it is likely still in Panama.
Your comment made me wish to say: Glad you and the Broomhandle both made it back.
Priceless in every way.