Original Antique Brazilian M1894 Mauser 7×57mm Infantry Rifle by F.N. Herstal in Belgium – Matching Serial I5355 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Mauser Model 1893 is a bolt-action rifle commonly referred to as the Spanish Mauser, though the model was adopted by other countries in other calibers, most notably the Ottoman Empire. The M1893 was based on the experimental M1892 rifle, which Paul Mauser developed for the Spanish Army as part of a program to correct deficiencies in the earlier 1889, 1890, and 1891 series of Mauser rifles. The M1893 introduced a short staggered-column box magazine that fit flush with the bottom of the stock; the magazine held five smokeless 7×57mm Mauser rounds, which could be reloaded quickly by pushing a stripper clip from the top of the open bolt.

The M1893 proved to be a major worldwide success for Mauser, as it provided the basis for later developments, including the Models 1894 and 1896—commonly referred to as Swedish Mausers—the Model 1895, and ultimately the Gewehr 98, one of the most successful bolt-action rifle designs ever produced. For his work, Mauser received the Grand Cross of the Order of Military Merit from Spain. The marked superiority of the M1893 over its American opponent in the Spanish–American War, the Krag–Jørgensens, led the US Army to develop the M1903 Springfield, which itself heavily copied Mauser’s designs.

In addition to Mauser, the Spanish 1893 rifles were manufactured under license by a variety of other firms, including Ludwig Loewe & Company (and its successor, Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken) of Germany, Fabrique Nationale of Belgium, and Fábrica de Armas and Industrias de Guerra de Cataluna of Spain. Most of these were simply license-made clones, however a slightly modified M1893 rifle was also sold to Brazil, chambered in 7 mm and designated M1894. Produced in long rifle and carbine version, it was used during the War of Canudos in 1897 and later during the Contestado War alongside the Mauser Model 1908.

These were initially produced by Fabrique Nationale, however the owner of the Mauser patents, Ludwig Loewe & Co., objected to the company making these export rifles. While they had licensed the patents, Loewe claimed that the license it granted to FN was limited to making and selling M1889 rifles to the Belgian Army. Eventually a deal was struck, with Ludwig Loewe and later D.W.M. taking over the supply to Brazil and other South American Countries. All F.N. Herstal marked Brazilian Mausers were produced in 1894-1895, and are federally considered antiques.

Here we have a very nice Belgian-made Brazilian Contract M1894 Infantry rifle, in the standard 7×57mm Mauser chambering. It is an early example, made by the legendary Fabrique Nationale in Herstal / Liège, Belgium. More commonly known as F.N. Herstal, the company would become a leading firearms designer and manufacturer during the 20th Century and beyond. In the early 20th Century they worked extensively with the legendary John Browning, developing many semi-automatic pistol designs.

The rifle rifle has the correct Coat of Arms of the First Brazilian Republic over the chamber, with the maker marking and model on the left side:

ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRAZIL
FAB. NAT. ARMES HERSTAL 1894

On the left side of the receiver is serial number I5355, which is also stamped on the magazine housing, the bolt, and even the cleaning rod! The magazine floor plate, bolt components, sight components, and other parts are stamped with shortened number 55. This is definitely an “All-Matching” example, and is the first example of a Brazilian Mauser that we have had! There are various other proof marks on the gun, including the “Tower of Liège” Belgian proof.

In generally tight condition this rifle has certainly seen some service but still looks great, with a lovely service worn stock. We did not see any signs that it has been reconditioned at arsenal, and there is still a cartouche on the right side of the stock. The rear sight is present and fully functional, and both sling swivels are still present. The action looks fully functional, cycling correctly with a crisp dry fire. The bore is in very good condition, with crisp lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. It shows little wear, with just a bit of overall oxidation haze from age and use.

A very nice example of a legendary Mauser design, produced by the equally well known Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium. In lovely condition and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1894
Caliber: 7×57mm Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29 Inches
Overall Length: 48 1/2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round internal magazine