Model 1871 Mauser Bolt Action Military Rifle….SOLD

A good example of the Model 1871 Mauser Bolt Action Mauser Rifle

This is the early single shot, black powder, 11.15 x 60R  or 43 Mauser caliber version of the Mauser brother’s first rifle opted by the German military. This is an example of the full length Infantry version with side mounted bayonet lug at the muzzle end which would make it even longer.  As it is it measures 52.3/4″ in overall length with a barrel length of 33.1/2″.  This 1871 is fully stocked with a full length cleaning rod stored in the stock under the barrel.  Serial number 8499U appears on most parts as is the way with most German service rifles.

The 1871 has a straight handled bolt in the white, with a large flag safety at the rear of the bolt.  The action is also correctly “in the white” and the barrel and bands blued.  The actual operation of the bolt is very smooth and perfectly positive.  There feels to be no slack or sloppiness and it is generally felt that this rifle would sail through proof if required.  The trigger guard is of brass, possibly an old hang-up from the earlier days of the rifles the 1871 replaced.  (a couple of the components on the bolt may have been force-matched.)  The butt plate is of steel and also numbered to the gun, as are all the visible screws on items like the trigger guard.

On the LHS of the action is the model designation in Gothic text.  On the same face of the action is the serial number.  Over on the bolt handle side of the action are three clear inspection stamps.  Five more stamps are repeated on the 45 degree face of the octagonal part of the breech, these are all crowned. Interestingly the other side of the first stage of the barrel is the serial number again and a very strong “F.W.” which looks to be stamped over an earlier crown.  This could mean that this rifle was produced before the unification of Germany under Friedrich Wilhelm and was over-stamped as a direct result.  A second clue to the linage of this weapon is the marking on the top of the octagon which reads “OE.STERR.WAFFENB.GES”  These are the early markings of the Steyr Factory in Austria, formerly of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Nevertheless, fact remains that this is rare  and interesting rifle in very good condition.  On close inspection of the sturdy rear sight  the serial number is repeated on all parts.   The bore is in very very good condition with deep sharp strong four-grove rifling.   The stock too is in excellent condition with a slight tiger stripe to the lower portion of the butt stock.  On the underside of the butt-stock is a set of  three clear cartouches interspersed with more letters and numbers.  The steel butt-plate is numbered to the rifle and has a long top tang.  There are no splits or shakes in the walnut stock and only minimal dents or dings from long service.

The blued barrel is secured by three blued steel bands, the mid band carrying the forward sling swivel.  Attached to the swivel is a non-original sturdy brown leather strap, which is perfectly usable.  Single inverted “V” foresight mounted on a block.  The crowning on the muzzle shows the depth of the excellent rifling.  This rifle is undoubtedly going to shoot straight once proofed and is going to be a pleasure to own.  Loading dies and cases are available at extra cost.  Many of the cases appear unused.

£ 1495……SOLD

Comments Off on Model 1871 Mauser Bolt Action Military Rifle….SOLD