Original German Mauser Model 1871/84 Magazine Rifle by Amberg Arsenal Dated 1887 – Serial No 46481 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of the Mauser Model 1871/84 rifle, which is covered with Imperial German and Bavarian inspection and acceptance markings on the metal work, though they are a bit worn in places. The serial number 46481 appears on the barrel, bolt, butt plate, and receiver, while the barrel bands, butt plate, and many screws and other parts have shortened number 81. We would definitely consider this an “all matching” example.

The receiver is dated 1887. and marked I. G. Mod. 71/84. on the opposite side in Black Letter Typeface. The rifle is complete with all major parts intact and functional, and in good condition. The exterior metal finish is blued on the barrel, and bright on other components of the rifle. The markings are still crisp on the metalwork, so this rifle does not appear to have had the metal refinished or subjected to major cleaning, and is quite attractive.

The wood stock is good condition, with a great color, and has the expected dents and dings of long service. It has been sanded down a bit and finished, so unfortunately the proof marks are no longer legible. There are also some traces of arsenal repaired cracks around the receiver and wrist.

The bore is in excellent condition, with crisp lands and grooves, and a bright finish. The top of the chamber is marked (Crown) over Amberg, for the Bavarian (and later Imperial) arsenal in Amberg, in the Kingdom of Bavaria.  Below this is the Crown over L proof for Luitpold, Prince Regent of Bavaria, who reigned from 1886–1912. His nephew Otto was technically the King, however he was deemed unfit for rule, so his uncle and later cousin ruled in his stead.

It also has Bavarian regimental markings on the butt plate tang: B 1 R / 13. 95. This would indicate issue to the 1st Royal Bavarian Infantry “King” Regiment, based in München (Munich), 13th company, 95th man. This is most likely the original regimental marking on this gun, as it is a front line regiment. This rifle does not appear to have been issued for reserve use.

This gun is most likely a WWI Veteran’s “bring back” souvenir. Great quantities of these 71/84 Rifles were pressed into service in WWI since great piles of them had been put into storage in 1888 with the introduction of the M-1888 7.92mm German Commission Rifle. The action works well, as does the magazine cutoff and feed mechanism.

Fully cleaned and ready to display!

Originally adopted as the Gewehr 71 or Infanterie-Gewehr 71, or “Infantry Rifle 71 (“I.G.Mod.71” was stamped on the rifles themselves) this was the first rifle model in a distinguished line designed and manufactured by Paul Mauser and Wilhelm Mauser of the Mauser company, and later mass-produced at Spandau arsenal.

Paul Mauser developed his bolt-action rifle from 1866 to 1871. During 1870-71 trials with many different rifles took place, with the “M1869 Bavarian Werder” being the Mausers’ chief competitor. The Mauser was provisionally adopted on 2 December 1871, pending the development of an appropriate safety. With support from the government’s Spandau arsenal, the improvements to the safety mechanism were completed and the rifle was formally accepted on 14 February 1872 as Infantry Rifle Model 1871 by the German Empire excluding Bavaria. The action was not based on its predecessor, the Dreyse needle gun which had seen service during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, and which was found to have a number of weaknesses.

The now well known Mauser “wing” type safety lever was developed for the Gewehr 71. The Gewehr 71 is a conventional looking bolt action chambered in 11mm using black powder cartridges. The action included only a bolt guide rib as its single locking lug, locking forward of the receiving bridge. The original design was a single-shot. The design was updated in 1884 with an 8-round tubular magazine designed by Alfred von Kropatschek, making this Germany’s first repeating rifle. This version was designated the Gewehr 1871/84. A version of this repeater was adopted by the Ottoman Empire. Designated the M1887, it differentiated from the M71/84 in that it had a side mounted cleaning rod, a second locking lug on the rear of the bolt, and it was in caliber 9.5×60mmR, which Paul Mauser touted as the most efficient (black powder) cartridge. In the early 20th century a few were converted to 7.65×53mm smokeless by the arsenal in Ankara.

Offered in excellent collectible condition, with a rare and desirable unit marking.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: 11x60mmR Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 inches
Overall Length: 51 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 8 Round Tubular Magazine

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