Mauser 71/84 Bolt Action Rifle by Spandau…(SOLD)
Created on October 11th 2019
A fine Mauser 71/84 by Spandau
An “essential” in any military rifle collection. A highly successful adaptation of the single shot Model 71 Mauser. A robust and important design which eventually developed into the Mauser we know today. Although on first impressions this weapon is a substantial and striking rifle it was virtually obsolete by the time it was finally ready in all the German states for production. This may be the main reason we see them, as with this example with exemplary bores. The rifle that forced the 71/84 into almost immediate obsolescence was the French Lebel which used a smokeless cartridge. The smokeless cartridge was a game changer and signalled the end of days for the large bore, black powder rifles. The Mauser uses a thumping great 11mm calibre bullet with an arcing trajectory, the 8mm is a completely different ballistic animal. Besides all this however if you ever get a chance to put one of these on your ticket, they are great fun to shoot!
The rifle measures an impressive 51″in overall length (or in the German 1.3 meters !) The round blued barrel is 31.1/2″ long (80 cm) The trigger pull is 13″ to center. This fine example was made in the Prussian arsenal of Spandau. It was made in 1888, as marked on the RHS of the receiver, (behind the bolt handle when locked down.) The model designation is on the other side of the receiver in superb Gothic script reading “I. G. MOD 71/84” Which basically means Infantry Rifle…… The serial number, which is fully matching over the whole rifle, is marked on the forward top LHS of the rounded receiver. The number is repeated on the bolt handle stub and all the other normal components. Or, only the last two digits of the same. The number being “6983”
The rear section of the barrel over the breech is octagonal and carries many other markings; The top flat has the imperial cypher of Prussia and the arsenal name “SPANDAU” The top LHS flat of the breech octagon has the serial number towards the front. The monarch’s cypher over “F.W.” with inspection marks on either side and the bore diameter of “11.05” towards the rear of the same. The LHS verticale flat has a barrel registration mark against the receiver. On the RHS top flat are four superb gothic initials with crowns over, which are all inspectors marks.
Standard Infantry Visier rears sights with two leafs. Open battle sight set to 270 meters and a slightly longer range leaf set at 350 meters. The sliding block which moves up and down the ladder works on graduations from 400 to 1600 meters with 50 meter increments. All components of the rear sight are correctly marked with the last two digits of the serial number. Standard inverted “V” on a block front sights.
The barrel and bands etc are finished in a rich original blue. The front band incorporates a side mounting bayonet lug. Mid-band has the forward sling swivel mounted underneath. The rear swivel is mounted on the front of the blued trigger guard. The butt-plate is a thick heavy steel affair with serial numbers and inspection marks clearly visible. On the LHS of the action is a magazine cut-off switch. The bolt is fitted with a safety. The front cap of the magazine tube has a stacking rod of about 3″ protruding.
The full length European Walnut stock is in excellent condition with many large inspection marks on it, both behind the trigger guard and on the RHS flat of the butt. The rifle shows only the lightest hint of a military life in the condition of the timber ( I would even venture that it has a beautiful rich colour to it and a pleasing patina to its surface – it would respond well to a little expert titillation!) There are light patches of fairly insignificant rust starting to develop which would also benefit from tickle with the magic gunga! If I get the time and the workload subsides, I would be sorely tempted to while away a few hours doing the business on this piece, unless someone snatches it off me first. It will also creep up in price as a result! So, he who hesitates .. … … !
A smashing rifle in all ways – just awaiting to start a new affair with any potential keeper.
£ 1250. SOLD
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