Mauser built Model 1896 Swedish Infantry Rifle…(f 712) SOLD
Created on July 2nd 2018
Mauser built Model ’96 produced in First Year of Production
A good Model 1896 Gevar (Long Rifle) built at the Oberndorf plant by Mauser. One of the sixteen thousand, two hundred rifles built in the first year of production (1899). The M96 long rifle was not serial numbered from one but started within the 19,000 range. By the end of the year, the last recorded number was in the 35,300 range. This rifle is numbered 32189 which would put it within the last quarter of the year. This model was only produced by Mauser until the end of the next year (1900) By that time Mauser had produced something in the region of 38,600 rifles. Production in the Carl Gustafs plant in Sweden had started and full responsibility was soon passed over to them in its entirety.
The M96 is chambered in the Swedish 6.5 x 55 cartridge with a five-shot internal magazine and classic Mauser bolt system. The bolt is of straight arm design with a flag safety to the rear and cocks on closing. Finished in the white and highly polished, it always makes a handsome contrast to the blued action. This M96 is stocked in the blonde beech type full length stock with finger groves and a handguard over the barrel. The rifle measures 49.5/8″ in overall length. The round blued barrel is approx’ 29″ long with a stepped muzzle. The stepped muzzle is to accommodate the fitting of the all steel bayonet. (not supplied) Underneath the barrel is a full length steel cleaning rod (non-matching) The trigger pull is 13.5/8″ to centre.
The receiver ring is marked as follows; “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N / 1899” The outer wall of the action is marked with the serial number, “32189” and the initials “G.F.” Adjacent to that information is the thumb relief cut-out for the stripper-clip, which enables the thumb to press home the last cartridges in the clip. There is a guide on the front of the rear receiver bridge to correctly position the loading clip during the aforesaid process. On the LHS of the action, behind the thumb relief cut is the bolt removal catch which shows the digits “189” on the top surface. The initials on the side, next to the serial number belong to the military weapons officer who accepted the rifle at final inspection. This was Gustaf Fredenberg, Lieutenant of Artillery, who held the post through two appointments lasting from 1894 until 1902. The date on the receiver confirms this as it is showing 1899.
The bright finished bolt shows all the correct matching numbers on its components and a horizontally placed Swedish Crown inspectors stamp. The crown is repeated on the magazine follower. The magazine floor plate also bears the correct digits. The two barrel bands are different numbers as is the steel contoured butt-plate. The rear sights are the correct type with stepped ramp and horizontal crown marks. They are graduated from 300 to 600 meters in the horizontal position. The ladder part of the sight, in the upright position, would be used for volley fire and is graduated from 700 to 2000 meters. Twin sling swivels under. Smooth trigger and steel trigger guard.
The RHS of the butt-stock has a brass disc let in, which details the condition of the bore when it was last tested. Just behind the trigger guard, on the underside of the wrist, is a single Carl Gustafs inspectors acceptance mark of the Swedish Crown. This indicates that the rifle has been in at least once for an armoury overhaul. The action of this fine old rifle is smooth and the resistance offered by the bolt on closing – leaves no doubt that this will be a reliable shooter. The condition of the bore only goes to confirm that accuracy will also, not be a problem. Strong clean bore with deep uninterrupted rifling, no misting or pitting. A very early rifle in very good condition but ready to take on the range immediately.
Please ask for Stock No’ f 712
£ 860. SOLD
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