Model 1896 Boer War Mauser First Batch Rifle…….. (F 1051) SOLD
Created on May 31st 2022
Excellent Model 1895/6 Boer Mauser by Ludwig Lowe
One of the first 250 rifles made and shipped to the South African Republic in July 1896. Quite a distinction! The Z.A.R. purchased 47,000 rifles and carbines from Ludwig Loewe and DWM. The serial number A214 (matching) puts this rifle in the first completed delivery by serial numbers A1 – A10,000. Distinctive by their lack of receiver markings and German Imperial Military-type inspection marks. The side wall is marked “MOD. MAUSER 1896. / LUDW. LOWE & Ce BERLIN.” It has with a twenty-nine inch barrel. Overall the rifle is 48.5/8″ long. The trigger Pull is 13.1/4″ to centre.
Receiver plain, as mentioned above, but on LHS, the serial number and German crown over a Gothic character (faktur). Blueing on action still strong and deep with minor high edge ware. Bolt release catch to rear LHS of action with strong Nitra blue spring. The bolt which was finished in the white has the faktur and then the Serial number clearly marked on the upper surface of the straight bolt arm. A three position squared flag safety is set at the rear of the bolt. The rifle is chambered in 7 x 57mm and has a five shot internal magazine. The magazine follower is a vivid nitra blue.
The floor-plate and trigger guard have matching numbers and still retain a good amount of blue with some fading. The serial number is repeated on the stock, on the LHS adjacent to the action. Ladder rear sights with open “U” sight picture graduated from 400 to 2000 meters. The last digits appear on the rear of the sight components . Inverted “V” front sight. Second half of barrel exposed on top with handguard covering the remainder. The hand-guard shows battle damage which looks like a glancing blow from shrapnel. Stepped muzzle to accept bayonet with lug on front band underside. Matching cleaning rod stored under barrel. Plain steel butt-plate browning to silver.
The Stock: This is the most interesting part of this rifle apart from its correct originality. Full length with straight wrist. Shows dings and dents from The Boer War ! It has Imperial German inspection marks on top of the wrist and on the underside of the butt. However, you have to look a little more closely to espy the rifles real story. This rifle features in the David Georges book; “Carvings from the Veldt.” By pencil impression, one can see that it is marked with a Scandinavian volunteers name. It is also marked in the same way with bring-back / capture details; “D.S. BROWN/ R.S.F. / V. VI. OO” All these markings are very difficult to see, but with lots of squinting and tipping the rifle this way and that you can eventually make them out. Much more sophisticated methods were used when the rifle was examined for the book.
Bore condition very good, action smooth, UK proofed. This is a truly exceptional piece of Boer War history and in wonderful condition. Not to be missed by the serious student / collector of that period. A highly unrepeatable find.
Stock No F 1051
£ 1150. SOLD
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