Original German Model 1895 Chilean Contract Mauser Rifle by Ludwig Loewe Berlin – Serial B 3715 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition example of the Model 1895 Chilean Mauser Rifle, made by the renowned LUDWIG LOEWE ARMS COMPANY of BERLIN. It shows signs of being carried in service for a long time, though it does not show signs of much actual use. It also does not show any signs of being arsenal reconditioned, as many often were, so it has lots of all original patina.

The Ludwig Loewe company was actually part owner of Mauser Waffenfabrik from 1887 onward, which is why they were the primary contractor for the export Mauser rifles. In 1896 the company consolidated its arms manufacturing, and founded Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, the famous D.W.M.. All rifles made 1897 onward were marked with the new company abbreviation. Therefore ANY LUDWIG LOEWE marked firearm is considered a pre-1899 ANTIQUE by U.S. FEDERAL LAW. Most Chilean Contract M-1895 Rifles and Carbines found today are marked DWM, with examples by Ludwig Loewe being hard to find.

The left side of the receiver on this example is marked with the production information:

MAUSER CHILENO MODELO 1895.
MANUFACTURA LOEWE BERLIN.

To the left of this is serial number B 3715, which is also stamped on the magazine housing, and the stock, as is correct. The bolt is non-matching, as is the magazine floor plate and cleaning rod. It definitely looks like this example was sent back to arsenal, and had parts swapped out as needed. The chamber ring still has a relatively crisp Chilean coat of arms marked on it, and isn’t worn down like it would be from a refinish. The left side of the stock has two Chilean cartouches on it, and the first one is dated 1895, while the second one stamped over it has an M.F. marking. There is no consensus on what the “M.F.” means, but it is often seen on examples that have definitely had the stock replaced, so it looks to be a type of mark indicating arsenal service. Definitely some good research potential here.

The stock is solid, but definitely does show lots of wear from use in service, and some staining near the butt plate from oxidation. It has the look of a rifle that was carried for years, suffering dents, dings, scratches, and other wear. There are no cracks or major damage, though there is a chunk missing on the right lower fore stock area.

The metalwork is in very good condition, with the original bluing very well retained on the barrel and receiver, with less retained on many of the fittings. The butt plate, which is usually the first place to show wear, is missing most of the finish on the rear side, and some other components are displaying a polished steel patina. However, there is still some of the the “Niter Blue” color on the the bolt release, which is usually lost. The bright steel bolt and cleaning rod are just lovely, showing just a bit of light staining.

The rifle cycles great, with no issues that we can see. The “wing” safety is fully functional, working exactly as intended with no mechanical issues to note. It prevents firing in the “up” position, and prevents both cycling and firing in the “right” position. The bolt release works correctly, allowing easy field stripping of the rifle. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong lands and grooves and a bright finish. There is just a bit of wear, and the bolt does display a light primer ring, so it definitely saw at least light service.

Another Military Contract from the Victorian era that Mauser managed to snag from all its European competitors. In lovely condition and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1895
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

More on the Mauser Model 1895:

The Mauser Model 1895 is a bolt operated magazine fed rifle using the 7×57mm Mauser cartridge. It was exported to many overseas powers, including the Chilean forces which adopted as the Fusil Mauser Chileno Mo 1895. It is the first major modification of the Mauser Model 1893 and was produced by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, known as DWM, and Ludwig Loewe Company from 1895 to 1900.

First supplied by the Ludwig Loewe & Co during 1895-1896 then later by the DWM (1897-1900), the Mauser model 1895 first made its appearance during a small arms race between Argentina and Chile in 1896 and 1898. In this period, over 80,000 Model 1895 rifles and 30,000 Model 1895 carbines were shipped and deployed to the Chilean army.

The Mauser Model 1895 also saw service in Mexico, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Iran, El Salvador and Honduras. Mauser Model 1895 rifles and carbines were the standard weapons of the various Mexican armies during the Mexican Revolution while the Paraguayan rifles saw combat during the Chaco War. Forces led by Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution and later guerilla campaign would have been armed with these rifles.