Original Belgian Model 1893 Mauser Rifle by Fabrique Nationale with Muzzle Cover – Matching Serial A3014 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.

Here we have a very nice Belgian-made Model 1893 7mm Mauser Infantry rifle, 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.

Between 1893 and 1896, F.N. produced the Model 1893 and 1894 rifle and carbine, chambered in 7×57mm Mauser, produced for Spain and Brazil while some were used by the Belgian Gendarmerie, the Garde Civique and the Congo Free State. We did not find any state or country markings on this rifle, so we assume it was used domestically in Belgium, probably later brought home after WW1 or WW2 by a returning GI.

The rifle has the correct maker markings on the top front of the receiver:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE
HERSTAL-LIEGE.

On the left side of the receiver is serial number A3014, which is also stamped on the magazine housing, the stock, and the bolt, with shortened number 14 on the magazine floor plate. This is definitely an “All-Matching” example, and is the first of this type of Mauser that we have had! There are various other proof marks on the gun, including the “Tower of Liège” Belgian proof. There is also a large letter M on the left side of the stock.

In generally tight condition this rifle has certainly seen some service but still looks great, with a lovely glow from decades of polishing. 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 good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There is some wear to the lands, and some light oxidation and fouling in the grooves, so this rifle has been used, but not extensively.

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-

Years of Manufacture: 1893-1896
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