Lot 1123

Mauser 1896 Broomhandle Pistol with Presentation Inscribed Grips

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Mauser 1896 Broomhandle Pistol with Presentation Inscribed Grips

Estimate: $25,000 - $50,000

Starting Bid: $20,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Historic Mauser Model 1896 Large Ring Flatside Broomhandle Semi-Automatic Pistol with Presentation Inscribed Silver Inlaid Grips Identified to U.S. Army Captain Francis H. Cameron Jr., Rare U.S. Pattern "Maestranza de Manila" Holster, and Extensive Documentation This historic 1901 production Mauser Model 1896 Large Ring Flatside Broomhandle pistol has a spectacular pair of silver inlaid presentation grips bearing an engraved patriotic shield and "1901" date inscribed on the left and the fancy monogram initials "FhC" on the right identified to Captain Francis H. Cameron Jr. It is rare to encounter Broomhandle pistols in any form carried by U.S. servicemen, and this identified example has its special accompanying U.S. pattern leather holster stamped "Maestranza de Manila" (Armory of Manila) on the flap. This pistol and holster were certainly carried on the hip of Captain Francis H. Cameron Jr. while he was stationed in the Philippines. U.S. issued Broomhandle pattern holsters are very seldom encountered today, as they were made in very limited numbers by the Manila Armory at the beginning of the 20th century for issue to officers who carried Broomhandle pistols in the Philippines. For reference, two other examples of the "Maestranza de Manila" holsters for Mauser Model 1896 Broomhandle pistols are photographed on page 329 of "U.S. Military Holsters and Pistol Cartridge Boxes" by Edward Scott Meadows. Included is a binder full of numerous scans related to the military service of Francis H. Cameron Jr. (October 20, 1872-December 15, 1948), with one service report leading up to and notably coinciding around the timeframe this pistol would have been carried in the Philippines by him stating, "The records show that Francis H. Cameron, Jr. enlisted 23 August 1893 and was honorably discharged 22 August 1898 a 1st sergeant, Troop F, 2d Cavalry, by reason of expiration of term of service, character excellent. He reenlisted in the same organization 23 August 1898 and was honorably discharged 7 September 1898 a 1st sergeant in order to accept a commission in the 10th regiment, U.S. Volunteer Infantry, character excellent. 20 Aug 1898 He was commissioned a Captain, 10th Regiment, U.S. Volunteer Infantry, accepted 8 September 1898 and assigned to Company L, that regiment; was honorably discharged and mustered out with the company 8 March 1899 a captain. He was commissioned 5 July 1899 a 1st Lt. Company H, 35th Regt. U.S. Vol. Infantry and accepted 16 August 1899; was honorably discharged 26 April 1900 to accept a commission in the Squadron of Philippine Cavalry. Commissioned Captain, Squadron Philippine Cavalry 3 April 1900 and accepted 26 April 1900; honorably discharged 12 June 1901. Commissioned 1st Lt. 15th Cavalry 2 February 1901, accepted 13 June 1901; transferred to 7th Cavalry 24 October 1910 and his name was put on the retired list with rank of captain 3 March 1911." Scans of regimental return records indicate he passed through Manhattan, New York, for return during the months of January and February in 1901 listed as captain of Company D Squadron of Philippine Cavalry U.S. Volunteers, and is listed as back in the field in Manila, Philippines, in April 1901 during the Philippine Insurrection, also referred to as the Philippine-American War, and he was appointed 1st lieutenant of 15th Cavalry in June 1901. Based on the 1901 manufacture and presentation inscribed date of this pistol, Cameron received it right around this time likely while in New York prior to his return to the Philippines. The U.S. Army 15th Cavalry Regiment was organized in February 1901, and immediately embarked for the Philippines for their first assignment to quell an insurrection in the United States' newly acquired territory. During their continued time there, the regiment was right in the middle of intense fighting in the Philippine jungles against Moro forces. Francis H. Cameron Jr. is today buried in Arlington National Cemetery where he is listed as a U.S. Army captain on his gravestone. This pistol exhibits early features with the distinctive flatside frame and large ring hammer. It has a fixed pinched blade front sight, adjustable ladder rear sight graduated up to 1,000 meters, and a provision for a lanyard ring (absent) on the butt of the frame. "Crown/crown/U" proofs are on the left of the upper barrel extension and the Mauser manufacturer address is on top. Matching visible serial numbers are marked on various components.

Manufacturer: Mauser

Model: Broomhandle

BBL: 5 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 7.63mm Mauser

Finish: blue

Grips: hardwood/silver inlaid

Serial Number26340

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Provenance: U.S. Army Captain Francis H. Cameron Jr.; The Charlie Justmann Collection
  • Condition: Fine, retains 40% original blue finish, with mostly smooth brown patina on the balance and some light pitting indicative of use in the Philippines, and sharp markings. The grips are also fine, with bright silver surfaces, light handling evidence, and crisp engravings. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very fine, with some light age related wear. A highly desirable and historic pistol for the U.S. military collector: a Mauser Model 1896 Large Ring Flatside Broomhandle pistol identified to Captain Francis H. Cameron Jr. with a rare U.S. pattern holster!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000