Original Item: Only One Available. This is a particularly attractive German-made Spanish contract Mauser Model 1893 rifle manufactured by Ludwig Loewe & Co. of Berlin and dated 1896. Chambered in 7×57mm Mauser, this example retains a handsome stock, substantial original finish, a mostly clear Spanish Royal coat of arms, crisp manufacturer markings, both sling swivels, and its original cleaning rod. The rifle is not fully matching, with serial number E 7583 on the receiver and barrel, a bolt numbered E 7695, and a magazine housing numbered A 2480, but it remains a very appealing example of one of the most important early smokeless powder military Mauser designs.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Spanish Model 1893 was one of the most important steps in the development of the Mauser bolt action rifle. Developed from the earlier Model 1892, it incorporated a five round staggered column internal magazine that sat flush with the bottom of the stock, together with the large non-rotating claw extractor and other improvements that helped establish the basic Mauser system later refined in the Model 1898. Spain formally adopted the design in 1893 together with the high velocity 7×57mm Mauser cartridge, and the rifle quickly became one of the most respected military bolt actions of its generation.

Although commonly called the "Spanish Mauser," the basic Model 1893 action was also marketed internationally and helped establish the reputation of the Mauser system around the world. The Spanish rifles are particularly significant to American collectors because they saw extensive service with Spanish forces during the Spanish-American War, where the effectiveness of the 7×57mm cartridge and Mauser action made a strong impression on U.S. observers.

This example was manufactured by Ludwig Loewe & Co. of Berlin and is clearly marked on the side of the receiver:

MAUSER ESPAÑOL MODELO 1893
MANUFACTURA LOEWE BERLIN.

The top of the chamber bears a mostly clear Spanish Royal coat of arms above the marking:

BERLIN 1896

The 1896 date places this rifle at the end of the Ludwig Loewe marked period. In November 1896, the Loewe arms interests were reorganized with other associated ammunition and firearms concerns into Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, better known as DWM. Spanish Model 1893 rifles produced afterward are encountered with DWM markings, making this dated Loewe example representative of the final phase of production under the older company name.

Ludwig Loewe himself had died in 1886, after which his brother Isidor Loewe continued directing the business. By the 1890s the Loewe concern had become a major force in German arms production and held a controlling interest in Waffenfabrik Mauser. The Spanish Model 1893 contract was one of the firm's most important military rifle programs of the period.

The rifle is serial numbered:

E 7583

This number is present on the front right side of the receiver and on the right side of the barrel beneath the handguard.

The bolt is numbered:

E 7695

The magazine housing is numbered:

A 2480

These mismatched numbers indicate that the bolt and magazine housing were exchanged at some point during the rifle's long service life. We have preserved these serial details exactly because they are important to evaluating the rifle as it exists today.

The metalwork remains in very good condition overall, with a substantial amount of original finish still present. This is particularly noticeable on the protected portion of the barrel beneath the handguard. The exposed surfaces have developed a worn service patina with evidence of past peppered oxidation that has since been cleaned away. There is also some active-looking rust staining at the muzzle end of the barrel, particularly on the left side.

The stock is in excellent condition and is one of the strongest visual features of the rifle. It has developed a lovely warm color and shows only light service and storage wear, primarily in the form of scattered dents and dings. The handguard is in similarly attractive condition, although a chip is missing from the left side where it rests against the top of the stock.

Both sling swivels remain present and move freely, and the rifle retains an original cleaning rod, adding considerably to its completeness and display appeal. The front and rear sight are both present, and the rear sight flips up correctly, with the slider staying in place when raised.

The action cycles smoothly in its present condition and gives a crisp dry fire. We have no way to confirm whether the magazine will feed cartridges correctly. The magazine follower correctly rises to block forward movement of the bolt when the magazine is empty, a deliberate feature intended to alert the soldier that the magazine required reloading from a stripper clip.

The bolt release operates correctly, and inspection confirms that the bolt retains both its firing pin and extractor. The safety remains present at the rear of the bolt, but we were unable to get it to engage. This condition is disclosed exactly as observed.

The bore is in very good service used condition. The lands and grooves remain clearly visible, although the interior finish is somewhat dull. The lands show noticeable wear, and there is evidence of past oxidation that has since been cleaned away. Even with this wear, the bore remains quite respectable for a Spanish service rifle manufactured in 1896.

With its handsome 1896 dated Ludwig Loewe receiver, mostly clear Spanish Royal crest, correct Mauser Español Modelo 1893 markings, substantial surviving original finish, especially attractive stock, both sling swivels, cleaning rod, smooth action, and solid bore, this is an excellent representative example of the German-made Spanish Model 1893. Its mismatched bolt and magazine housing are fully disclosed, but the rifle retains considerable original character and would display extremely well in an early Mauser collection, a Spanish-American War era arms display, or a collection devoted to the development of modern smokeless powder military rifles.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1896
Maker: Ludwig Loewe, Berlin
Model: 1893 Spanish Contract Mauser Rifle
Serial No.: C 8541
Caliber:  7x57mm Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 48.5 Inches
Barrel Length: 29.06 inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round internal magazine
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to most US States and most U.S. territories.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to most addresses within the United States.