Portuguese Model 1904 Mauser-Vergueiro Rifle….. (F 1257)

Model 1904 Mauser for Portugal then the U.D.F. (South-Africa)

Its a rare thing to find one of these rifles that didn’t get re-configured to the 1904/M39 short rifle.  This one escaped conversion possibly by being shipped out to South Africa during the First World War.  Portugal was in serious crisis trying to feed its people and its Army during WW1, so a deal of convenience was struck with South Africa and the rifles sent out in  exchange for grain.  Consequently this rifle is still in its original caliber of 6.5 x 58P.

The Mauser M04 Vergueiro owes its name to the Portuguese Officer who worked on the design with the developers at DWM in Germany.  It is mostly Mauser but has a rear split bridge and a Mannlicher-Schoenauer type bolt which half cocks on opening and completes on closing.  It has a flag safety to the rear of the bolt and a five shot internal magazine.  The rifle replaced the Portuguese Kropatchek tubular magazine rifle and served its army well.  It was eventually replaced by the Model 937-A, a short rifle based on the M04; from which many were converted and rechambered.  So as this one has remained in its original form it has become a more and more rare find on the classic military surplus rifle market.

Overall the rifle measures  a nominal 48″ in length.  The round blued barrel is28.1/2″ long.  The trigger Pull to center is 12.1/4″.  Fully stocked with a slim-line Gew 98 stock and a half length handguard, it has a semi-pistol grip stock produced in a light coloured hardwood.  The markings on the reciver tell of its history.  The main marking on the crest is that of King I Carlos in the form a a royal cypher and crown.  On the outer action wall there is a two line marking first in Portuguese then and German that reads; “ESPINGARDA PORTUGUEZA 6.5 MOD.1904 / DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN. BERLIN.”  On the RHS of the receiver is the serial number; “F3306″  This is fully matching over the entirity of the rifle.  Above the serial number are two other lines of markings;” U.D. F. / 4578″  It is beleived to mean “Union Defense Force” (WW1 South-Africa) Then the number is almost certainly an inventory number which was given to it when it was absorbed by that organisation.  There is probably a leger somewhere in the world where these numbers are laboriously recorded and written meticuously in ink by hand. (Personally I would love to see that….!)

The stock being light in colour shows all the dings and dents of being dragged around West africa, but its not in bad condition.  The metalwork has attracted a minimum of corrosion, the action and barrel still being well blued.  The stock fittings seem to have fared a little worse and now are showing plum brown to dark grey with some pitting.  The bolt was finished in the white and has now turned grey from the handling of sweat covered hands at points of contact. The magazine has an opening catch very similar to the South American models with a serrated catch within the trigger guard. Rifle can be clip loaded through guides on top.  The rear sights are graduated from200 to 2000 meters.  Front sight inverted “V” on a dovetailed block with anti-glare fine checkering on the rear 45 degree slope.  Bayonet fitting , cleaning rod (a/f).  Staright arm bolt which acts as a third lug in the event of a bolt head failure.  The rifle was proofed in 2018 but thebore is pretty grim. Shallow rifling with dark grooves and lots of copper.  May respond the the enthusiasm of the new keeper.  Never-the-less a desireable rifle in collecting terms.

F.A.C. Required  –  Stock No’ F 1257

£ 625.

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