Portuguese 1904/M39 Mauser Rifle……. (F 1265)

Good example of the Mauser M1904/39 – Vergueiro Infantry Rifle converted to 8mm

DWM produced these rifles for the Portuguese government in 1904. They were modified in 1939 to bring them more in line with the trend of 8mm Mausers that were proving effective around the world.  This is one of those rifles.  Re-Chambered from 6.5mm to 7.92mm  x 57.  The sights changed and the barrel, obviously shortened.  Being originally built by DWM, the quality was so high, they were well worth saving and reusing.

Stocked in a semi-pistol grip, which has more in common with the Gew 98 stock than the later K stock. In European walnut with a short handguard.  The first most noticeable thing about these rifles is the split rear bridge on the receiver.  This does also act as a third lug or stop for the bolt should the front lugs fail.  The bolt is a straight arm modified Mannlicher-Schoenauer piece with a flag safety to the rear.  Warning: only strip down if you really do know how to put it back together – they are notoriously difficult to reassemble.

Now chambered, since its conversion, in 8mm Mauser it was designed with an internal 5-shot magazine.  The bolt half cocks on opening and completes the operation on closing.  It is nice to see the stock is numbered with a matching number on the underside of the buttstock.  The main marking of the serial number is on the RHS of the receiver; “C8910”  this matches the number on the bolt stem.  Serial numbers also appear quite clearly on the magazine follower and bolt release catch on the rear of the action.  It is pleasing to see it clearly on the stock, below the lower sling swivel.

Fine Royal cypher for King One Carlos is on the crest of the receiver and the following is marked on the LHS of the action; “ESPINGARDA PORTUGEZA 6.5 MOD. 1904. / DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN BERLIN.”; the original model markings.  Adjacent to those markings are various historical acceptance and proof marks including a BNP mark.  Only one locking screw is in position on the trigger plate underneath, which belongs on a german K98.  Distinctive sight protection ears finish off the rifle at the muzzle end.  Standard Mauser bayonet fitting.   Evidence of the conversion is seen on the side of the rear sight ramp in the form of the original markings which are just visible where the rest has been milled away to the new contour required.

The stock is in fine condition with a deep pleasing patina all over with no splits or shakes.  Reasonably good bore with uninterrupted rifling.  Super smooth action with excellent distinctive early blued finish – very strong at the action, less so on other portions.  Correct bayonet included with the rifle, different serial number, but never-the-less good fit.  The blade has retained a spectacular rich deep blued finish.  Cleaning rod a/f.

This is a relatively cheap way to get into shooting the 8mm Mauser and also should not be ignored by the serious Mauser collector as an important addition to the complete story.  This rifle could be improved by the addition of a few parts, but thats all the fun of owning these things.

Please ask for Stock number F 1265  – FAC Required

£ 500. 

Bayonet

Correct Bayonet and scabbard; OAL 16.7/8″  Blued single fullered blade each side.  Single edge with flat back.  Birdshead grip with dark walnut grips.  Straight cross guard.  Marked on the ricasso “SIMSON & CO / SUHL”.  Steel scabbard.  Blade in excellent condition strong bluing.  Pommel marked “A 277”  Scabbard undented. Fits securely to rifle.  This bayonet has another mark on the cross guard which matches a mark on the rifle that appears in two places.  It looks almost like a Bhuddist character of a reversed swastika; this means this rifle and bayonet have remained close to each other for a very long time.

£ 150.

 

 

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