Swedish (Gevar) M 1896 Long Rifle………………F 857 (SOLD)

Fine early Model 1896 Swedish Mauser by Carl Gustafs

Serial number “8777” puts production in only the second year that the Carl Gustafs made these fine rifles; 1899. Prior to the start date of 1898 the first rifles were produced in the Mauser plant in Germany.  In standard Infantry Long Rifle specification and chambered in 6.5 x 55mm with an internal 5-shot magazine. The rifle measures 49.1/2″ in overall length.  The round blued barrel is a nominal 29″ in length with a stepped muzzle to accept the all steel bayonet.  The trigger pull length is 14″ to center.

The action, barrel and most of the fittings are finished in a strong military blue (black) which is in extremely good condition with practically no sign of wear, even on the high edges.  The entire bolt assembly, the magazine follower, cleaning rod and butt-plate are all bright.  The first three of those are polished to finish.  The butt-plate is so as a result of finish loss (although, a matching component).

The fine European walnut stock has grasping groves in the fore-end and a straight grip stock.  All numbered parts match. On the Swedes it is the last three numbers of the serial number that are repeated on the parts; so it is “777” which appears on the rifle.  The butt-stock has the brass bore condition disk affixed to the RHS of the butt.  Directly adjacent to the condition disk are four brass pins that have, in the past, held in position the range conversion tables.  The table has now been removed.  On the underside of the wrist are three cartouche markings.  They are the simple Swedish Crown which is the original approval mark for Carl Gustaf.  In the middle of the three is a clear “Ch.” marking this indicates rework at Kristianstad.  Finally the lowest mark is a clear crowned “C”, another Carl Gustafs inspection stamp.  It is by no means unreasonable to expect that this rifle which is 121 years old, to have been back to the factory, more than once in its long and illustrious military career, to be kept in tip top condition.

The rounded receiver is marked the Carl Gustafs crowned CG monogram over “CARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVARSFAKTORI / 1899”  Markings are all clear and even as roll-stamped at production.  The sidewall of the receiver is marked externally with the final inspectors initials “OG.” and the serial number “8777”.  OG stands for Olof Gibson who was Inspection Officer at the plant from 1891 May 1898 until March 1902.

Many parts also carry the Swedish Crown inspectors acceptance stamp which in this case is correctly horizontal placed.  The bolt release catch can easily been seen to be carrying the “777” of the serial number.  On the underside of the stock are the springs which hold the barrel bands on place, both carry a superb high polished nitre blue.  There are no Husqvarna parts on the rifle – pure Carl Gustafs.

The smoothness of actuating the bolt on these rifles is something worth experiencing, even if you never end up owning one. Soon as you feel the splendid action you know the quality of the engineering that must have gone into producing it.  The bore is in splendid condition with no visible corrosion or pitting.  This might be something to do with the Swedish use of non-corrosive ammunition.

A chance to equip yourself with a fine piece of history which has a reputation for accuracy on the ranges. The kind of investment which is not effected by the trials and tribulations that beset the money markets.  Some thing of undeniable tangible quality from a time gone by.  A rifle that would be impossible to produce commercially today.

Stock No’  f  857

£ 845. (SOLD) 

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