7mm Standard Modell variant

[runner]

Picked up a SM that differs from the norm. First it is in 7mm, which seems to have been made in significantly fewer numbers than 8mm examples.
Also the sidewall is, Mauser-Werke A.G. Oberndorf A/N. Instead of the normal Standard Modell normally seen in the B series.
receiver top, Mauser Banner.

Barrel date, 1937.

The SN is B68780, I have examples of SMs in the B66000 and B70000 range(s) that are both in 8mm and have the normal markings.
So we’re these 7mm examples simply numbered in the normal B series sequence? And why the variant sidewall? Customer requested, or simply using up leftover Banner model receivers?

The stock is the early pinned upper band, narrow lower band type, but it is not matching and is an earlier sn, 40524. I would guess this example originally had the later wide lower band type stock as these appear about B59000 (maybe earlier, that is my earliest example), but that assumes the 7mm models were in the same sn series as 8mm B series.

I will try to add pictures to this post tomorrow, but would be interested in the SN range of any other 7mm examples.

 

[Loewe]

Jon Speed offered this insight to your question!

Paul, I saw talks on SM in 7mm and can add that the British firm Manton in India bought some 200 carbines in this caliber.Also some smaller orders by other groups etc. Jon

I doubt I have observations in this regard, though I will check on the possibility...

 

[Fal Grunt]

Mr.Speed sent me a note to add:

here are the 2 serial numbers on SM.
Bugn 830 narrow rear band Germany on floor plate
Bugn 2515 wide rear Band

Regards, Jon

The 7x57 examples are certainly much less common. From the few I have seen, the carbines seem to have their own serial number series, and are not a part of the "B" series. These may have been for specific contracts or orders?

I have B68185, which is heavily rusted under the wood line, but the bore is absolutely *mint* (I hate the prolific use of that word and do not use it lightly)

 

[Fal Grunt]

On the 7mm SM here are 2 pics showing and Inventory book entry that shows there were 226 Units SM for Manton in 1937 then Offer book shows interest in 300 carbines 7mm for Manton etc. Jon

 

[Loewe]

There is quite a story to be had figuring out all of this commercial activity between WMO and the Near East, Far East and African wilderness... to what purpose were these rifles sent to India, commercial certainly, but to what end, I mean big game hunters would seem to prefer different rifle configurations and caliber... perhaps a more formal application.

 

[Fal Grunt]

on the 7mm carbines bought by Manton firm these were used by Indian Police groups. Manton was major buyer of hundreds of hunting rifles many in larger calibers like 9.3 or .404 that were used by English officers during Colonial period.

7mm was the preferred and more or less standard round used by UK also in small game hunting rifles etc. As for sales timing of delivery could be anywhere between a few weeks to 3-6 months depending on production activity at Mauser firm etc. Various middle men were used to make shipments etc. Jon



1. Mauser sales to Manton in 1920-21 period shows many hunting rifles and some pistols etc.

2. Mauser sales to Middle East through main distributor Goguyer

 

[Fal Grunt]

to add some historical factors on Middle East Mauser sales by 1912 the Brits had declared this zone as a No Weapons shipments area much to the Sultan of Oman's surprise! Mauser lost a lot of Revenue when this occurred! Here is report in Mauser yearly sales files for 1912 that explain this issue. Add this to talks on Manton matters etc. Jon

 

[runner]

Reviving this old thread because I finally got some photos of the SM I was originally asking about.
Short recap, sn B68780, differs from most in this serial number range in two ways, it is in 7mm and is marked as such on the bottom of the barrel. The complete barrel code is: 37 R 50, the 7.0 mark just below. Instead of the expected Standard-Modell sidewall marking, it has the Mauser-werke Oberndorf address normally seen on Banner Modells.

I originally questioned if these 7mm rifles with the variant sidewall marking would have there own serial number range, but I now believe these were just a customer requested variant within the B series.

my logic:
1) The Mauser archives show limited production in 7mm, so a separate SN series would not approach 60000, assuming they would have sequential SN starting with 1.
2) The 1937 barrel date and the sn fall right in the correct range for “normal” 1937 SM production.

I only showed the barreled receiver as the stock and fittings in came in are for much earlier production utilizing the narrow lower band and pinned upper band. Fortunately I just picked an early SM that has the later stock and bands so soon both will be back in period correct form.

I would appreciate any comments or additional information any one can add relative to this variant.