DWM Model 1908 Mauser Rifle…………………….. (F 1176)
Created on January 30th 2025
DWM Model 1908 Rifle
A very fine rifle but a very difficult one to place. The receiver crest is bare, yet not scrubbed. The model is clearly marked on the RHS of the same reading “MODEL 1908” However, as far as rifles made by DWM, as marked upon the outer action wall; “DEUTSCHE WAFFEN – UND / MUNITIONSFABRIKEN OBERNDORF AN,” models made with a blank receiver are not listed. Neither are there any 7mm rifles made by the same concern with a blank receiver. So the only clue which may gives us an indication is the circled star cartouche adjacent to the blank ID disc in the RHS of the butt-stock. This resembles the star associated with Brazil. It is known that 100,000 Model 1908’s were made in 1913 for that country and are they are believed to be long rifles. Yet, it is commonly understood that they bare the Brazilian crest on the receiver. Another close but no cigar match, is Uraguay. Problem with that one is the lack of Uruguayan crest and it should have a turned down bolt handle, which this one does not have. However – again! the bolt does not match yet, it carries the same production mark of a serrif “B” type letter as the receiver. So it could be a “bittser” or a strange anomaly. What ever it actually is – it makes a very fine rifle.
The LHS of the receiver ring is marked firstly with the afformentioned “B 6454/Qq circled B“” The strtaight bolt arm carries the same two “B’s” on the head and the arm and a non-matching number of “4489 Ll”. (Note, same four digit code with same double letter suffix) Then the three components ot the rear of the bolt show the number “39” It is important that the next keeper should realise that this bolt has passed CIP /BNP proof as it is now – so deemed safe to use. The rifle is chambered in 7 x 57mm with a five-shot internal magazine. Standard flag safety bolt and three position safety. The action and bolt are finished in the white. The balance of barrel and furniture are blackened, with the exception of the tangent rear sight. That rear sight is graduated from 300 to 2000 meters. Front inverted “V” on a block with a cross-hatched rear slope to avoid glare.
The rifle measures 49″ in length. The round barrel is 29″ long and the Pull is 13″ to centre. Stocked in a straight semi-pistol grip stock of dark walnut with a handguard which surrounds the rear sight for protection. Standard “H” type forband with hook under. Bayonet stud and half length cleaning rod which would rely on buddying up to clean the barrel fully. Mid barrel band includes front sling swivel. Rear mounting point for sling is as the Gew 98 providing only the base attached to the stock, this requires the sprung opening type sling attachment as per the Gew 98 again. The trigger guard and magazine floor-plate bare the same production marks as above and matching serial numbers to the action. The blackened steel butt-plate and the bright magazine follower show no numbers but a similar production stamp of a serriff “a” marking. Single cross bolt.
Mechanically fine. A handsome looking rifle with a fine stock that shows few signs of a rough military life but some use. The bore is in fine condition with a four grove right-hand twist. Excellent rifling, no pitting showing little sign of use. This rifle with its long barrel and good bore should be a competition winner. An interesting piece for the Mauser collector, who’s got it all!
Stock No’ F 1176 – FAC required
£ 845.
Comments Off on DWM Model 1908 Mauser Rifle…………………….. (F 1176)