Mystery1895 FN Mauser

[capp791]

So I bought a mystery, or at least that's what I thought at the time. When I was first looking over the rifle, I knew only two things, It was a small ring Mauser and it was pre 98. I didn't know much else but I was willing to take a chance as Mausers are worth more than a few hundred bucks in any condition, especially pre 98's.

Here are the things I do know (or at least I think I know): Mauser made by Fabrique Nationale Herstal Liege. Barrel proof marks are all correct for FN such as Lion over P.V. and Star over A.
It is a 1895 carbine and at first I thought it was a "OVS" carbine without the markings, but I think I've ruled that out but not completely. It is 7x57mm.

I will need better pictures going forward, but these will have to do for now.

If there are any Mauser experts here, please feel free to chime in. Other than that enjoy!

 

[chrisftk]

You might have more luck on Gunboards Mauser section. This section tends to be more German focused.

 

[GEM]

When I first looked at your pictures, I noticed how closely this rifle looks to a Spanish short rifle. I dug around and found references in Mauser Military Rifles of the World to FN making M94 rifles and carbines for Brazil and M93 rifles and carbines for Spain.

Pictures shown are similar to yours but don't show the side mounted swivels. The book indicates that the rifles made for Brazil are well marked with a crest. Spanish versions are not marked with any national markings. Pictures of the Brazilian carbine shows a cavalry ring behind the trigger guard. Pictures of the Spanish carbine show a conventional bottom mounted sling arrangement.

As I look at your picture that show barrel markings it seems to me that the stock does not truly mate to the action as an original would. My speculation is that yours is one made for Spain and was possibly re-stocked with a more typical Spanish style stock. I suggest inspecting the stock closely to see if any internal stock serial numbers that may match the receiver.

 

[GEM]

Well, I jumped down this rabbit hole...

Found a reference to FN supplying M93 rifles to Uruguay. No mention of carbines. Pictures show extensive Uruguayan markings Also there is a reference to FN supplying M93 Carbines to Force Publique of the Belgium Congo. No pictures shown.

The book indicates DWM and Loewe were the suppliers to OVS. No mention of FN.

 

[Fal Grunt]

Keep in mind the barrel is a replacement as well, so it muddies the waters.

Mexico also bought a large number of 7x57's of various pre-98 configurations, several orders from FN, supposedly this included carbines.