The German government contracted for 50,000 of the 7.65mm Auto 1937 type pistols with pro-Axis Hungary in 1941. They were primarily ordered for the Luftwaffe. The originally delivered pistols were identical to the M-1937, however after delivery had begun, the Luftwaffe requested that a manual safety catch be added to production pistols.



The manual safety was added to the left rear of the frame. It was at this point that the slide marking was changed from 'FEMARU FEGYUER ES GEPGYAR RT 37' to 'P.MOD. 37 KAL 7.65' with German Waffenaenment acceptance stamp. They concealed the manufactured in accordance with the German system. Production was extended until 1944 ending with approximately 85,000 having been manufactured. The production of the '37u' was NOT under German occupation as production was completed prior to this in 1944.

The holsters have a history of their own. There were at least three that were available with the pistol during its production years. There were two Hungarian holsters available during manufacturing years. One was a leather holster with the top flap overlapping the magazine pouch which was secured by a leather strap attached to the lower edge of the holster and pulled upward to fasten over a metal stud.

A second Hungarian supplied holster was of a combo fabric/leather construction. The top leather flap strap was attached to the flap itself and hung down to meet and attach to a protruding stud. The third was a German made holster with 'cdc' code for Kern Klager & Co. of Lederwaren, Berlin. The code was stamped into the leather belt loop of the holster. The Germans used the same holster for the p37 and the Browning M1922.

The C.G. Haenel Co. was located in Suhl Germany and was established in 1840. It was not until 1921 that the company began to manufacture semi-auto pistols. This was after Hugo Schmeisser was hired as the companies' chief engineer.

There were two models of this pistol that I'm aware of. The model-1 that was 6.35 caliber with 2.48" barrel. It had a six shot magazine and weighed 13.5 oz. The left side of the slide was stamped "C.G. Haenel Suhl-Schmeisser Patent. The grip panel was marked "HS" in an oval. The Model 2 ...was the same design but only had a 2" barrel and only weighed 12oz. and had "Schmeisser" molded into the grips.

The value of a Broomhandle Mauser is going to difficult to set considering it is just part of a collection and one of which I cannot inspect. Additionally Rusty, there are other issues in regards to the model 1896 (Broomhandle) that are unique concerns to the collector.

To begin with there are over 30 different models/variations of the Broomhandle and equally as many different retail values. I have no way of knowing which model that the firearm in question may be.

Another issue that needs mentioning here is that the retail values are also going to vary due to matching stock/holster. A correct matching set will add 40% to the value of the 1896. Non-matching stock/holster will add between $350 and $600.

Also, Over the years there have been large quantities of Broomhandle Mausers and Astra copies imported into the U.S. These are in fair to poor condition and have been offered for sale at relatively low prices mostly as parts guns. During recent years these very common pistols have been "converted" to "rare, exotic, near mint, original" specimens selling for four figures.

Since it is impractical to try to list 30+ values X about a half dozen price setters, I can advise you that a Standard Wartime Commercial model in "good" condition has a retail value of about $800. That said, prices for other variations climb as high as $10,000.

A 1920 Rework would be selling for about $500 in "good" condition. Post war models as low as $600 in "good" condition. There are some Chinese copies that sell for as little as $350 in "good" condition. The P38 is a very wide description of a host of Walters.