Portuguese 1904/M39 Mauser Rifle ______ (f 858) SOLD

Good exemple of the Mauser – Vergueiro Infantry Rifle

DWM produced these rifles for the Portuguese government in 1904. They were modified in 1939 to bring them more in line with the trend of 8mm Mausers that were proving effective around the world.  This is one of those rifles.  Re-Chambered from 6.5mm to 7.92mm  x 57.  The sights changed and the barrel, obviously shortened.  Being originally built by DWM, the quality was so high, they were well worth saving and reusing.

Stocked in a semi-pistol grip, which has more in common with the Gew 98 stock than the later K stock. In European walnut with a short handguard.  The first most noticeable thing about these rifles is the split rear bridge on the receiver.  This does also act as a third lug or stop for the bolt should the front lugs fail.  The bolt is a straight arm modified Mannlicher-Schoenauer piece with a flag safety to the rear.  Warning: only strip down if you really do know how to put it back together – they are notoriously difficult to reassemble.

Now chambered, since its conversion, in 8mm Mauser it was designed with an internal 5-shot magazine.  The bolt half cocks on opening and completes the operation on closing.  It is nice to see the stock is numbered with a matching number on the underside of the buttstock.  The main marking of the serial number is on the RHS of the receiver; “E3686”  this matches the number on the bolt stem and the trigger plate.  The last two digits of the serial number are repeated on the bolt shroud, the safety, and the magazine floor plate. It also appears quite clearly on the magazine follower and bolt release catch on the rear of the action.

The Royal cypher for King One Carlos is on the crest of the receiver and the following is marked on the LHS of the action; “ESPINGARDA PORTUGEZA 6.5 MOD. 1904. / DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN BERLIN.” The original model markings.  Adjacent to those markings are various historical acceptance and proof marks.  The locking screws are in position on the trigger plate underneath and there is a clear “86” on the stock cross bolt.  Cleaning rod and distinctive sight protection ears finish off the rifle at the muzzle end.  Standard Mauser type “H” fitting for mauser bayonet caps off the for-end..   Evidence of the conversion is seen on the side of the rear sight ramp in the form of the original markings which are just visible where the rest has been milled away.

The stock is in fine condition with a deep pleasing patina all over with no splits or shakes. Good bore with uninterrupted rifling.  Super smooth action with excellent distinctive early blued finish – very strong at the action less so at the exposed portion of the barrel and the muzzle.  Correct bayonet included with the rifle, different serial number, but never-the-less good fit.  The blade has retained a spectacular rich deep blued finish.  Correct undermounted leather sling – nice and supple ready for use.

This is a relatively cheap way to get into shooting the 8mm Mauser and also should not be ignored by the serious Mauser collector as an important addition to the complete story.

Please ask for Stock number f 858

£ 360.  SOLD

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