Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive and relatively scarce Swiss Mannlicher Model 1893 Cavalry Carbine, serial number 3477, manufactured by S.I.G. Neuhausen for the Swiss military. Chambered for the original 7.5×53.5mm Swiss GP90 cartridge, the M1893 is an unusual departure from the better known Schmidt-Rubin family of Swiss straight pull rifles, using instead a compact Ferdinand Mannlicher designed action specifically suited to cavalry service. This example retains matching serial numbers on the receiver, bolt, and magazine floor plate, numerous Swiss inspection marks, substantial original finish, and an excellent bore.

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.

Switzerland adopted the Model 1893 specifically to provide its mounted troops with a compact repeating carbine. The straight pull Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889 infantry rifle was an excellent military arm, but its unusually long action was poorly suited to a short cavalry weapon because shortening the overall rifle would have left relatively little barrel length. Trials were therefore conducted with alternative actions, and Ferdinand Mannlicher's compact straight pull system was ultimately selected. The resulting Model 1893 Cavalry Carbine retained the rapid straight pull operating principle while fitting it into a substantially shorter arm better suited to horseback use.

The M1893 uses a Mannlicher action closely related in concept to the Austrian M1890 family and later M1895, although the Swiss version incorporates its own details and cocking arrangement. It feeds from a six round magazine and was chambered for Switzerland's 7.5×53.5mm GP90 service cartridge. The carbine was not designed for the later and more powerful GP11 cartridge.

Production was quite limited. Current Swiss serial records show a total military production of approximately 7,750 carbines from the mid 1890s through 1905. The first 4,250, serial numbers 1 through 4250, were manufactured by S.I.G. Neuhausen, with surviving Swiss records indicating that these early SIG carbines were completed before 1896 and most likely during 1895. Serial number 3477 falls squarely within this first SIG production group.

The receiver is marked:

S.I.G. NEUHAUSEN

The stylized lettering on these carbines can sometimes be misread, but it identifies Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft of Neuhausen, one of Switzerland's foremost arms manufacturers. SIG had already been deeply involved in Swiss military firearms production before receiving the contract for this specialized cavalry arm.

Serial number:

3477

is present on the receiver, bolt, and magazine floor plate. Other components, including the barrel bands and nose cap, were not necessarily serial numbered in this pattern. The principal numbered components observed on this example therefore match, making it an especially appealing and internally consistent example. Numerous Swiss cross inspection and proof marks are also present on the metal components.

The action remains in very good mechanical condition during careful manual inspection. The straight pull bolt cycles securely with the characteristically positive feel of the Mannlicher system, although some effort is required, which is not unusual for this compact action. The safety on the left side of the bolt functions correctly, as does the bolt release on the right side. The extractor remains present, and the firing pin was visually confirmed to be present and moving correctly. The magazine appears mechanically complete, and pressing the button at the front of the trigger guard allows the magazine assembly to be removed for servicing and inspection, although we have not tested actual feeding with ammunition.

The metalwork is in very good overall condition and retains a substantial amount of original finish. The top of the receiver and the magazine have lost considerably more of their original blue than the protected surfaces, giving the carbine an attractive service worn appearance without excessive deterioration. The bolt remains in the correct bright steel finish. Numerous Swiss inspection marks remain clearly visible, and there is no indication of severe corrosion or major metal damage.

The bore is in excellent condition, retaining a bright interior with crisp lands and grooves. We see very little evidence of heavy firing or substantial bore wear, making the condition of the barrel one of the stronger features of this example.

The stock is likewise in very good condition and has developed an attractive red brown color. It does not show obvious evidence of modern refinishing or heavy reconditioning, and several original Swiss inspection marks remain visible. There are nevertheless plenty of honest service marks, including dents, dings, scratches, and localized wear. The upper spine of the butt stock has numerous small dents, while the wood immediately around the receiver tang shows some damage apparently caused during past removal or reinsertion of the bolt assembly. Despite this wear, we do not see a major structural crack or significant repaired break.

With its early S.I.G. Neuhausen manufacture, matching principal numbered components, scarce serial number 3477, excellent bore, substantial original finish, and distinctive Mannlicher straight pull mechanism, this is an especially desirable example of one of the more unusual Swiss military carbines of the late 19th century. Produced in far smaller numbers than the familiar Schmidt-Rubin rifles and built specifically for mounted troops, the Model 1893 represents a fascinating intersection of Swiss manufacturing quality and Ferdinand Mannlicher's innovative action design. It would be an excellent addition to a collection of Swiss military arms, Mannlicher rifles, early straight pull firearms, or antique European cavalry carbines.

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1893-1896
Maker: S.I.G. Neuhausen
Model: Mannlicher Model 1893 Carbine
Serial No.: 3477
Caliber: GP90 7.5×53.5mm Schmidt-Rubin
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 22 inches
Overall Length: 39 Inches
Action type: Straight-pull Bolt-Action
Feed System: 6 Round Box Magazine
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

More on the Mannlicher Model 1893 Carbine

he Swiss military was in need of a cavalry carbine for their mounted units, so they tried shortening the existing Schmidt–Rubin 1889, but its action proved to be too long to be effective to maneuver with while mounted, so the Swiss government began trials for a new carbine. Two turning-bolt designs were submitted by SIG, a turning-bolt and a straight-pull design were submitted by Ferdinand Mannlicher, a modified Mauser design and a straight-pull design by Vogelsang and Krauser. The Mannlicher straight-pull design was chosen for its compactness.

It was carried by side sling swivels and didn't feature a bayonet mount. These carbines were supposedly hated by the Swiss soldiers as they were hard to field strip and their bolts were hard to disassemble. Many were intentionally smashed during drills, so today combined with their small manufacture number they are quite rare. It was later replaced by the Schmidt–Rubin Model 1905 Cavalry Carbine.

The M1893s were never meant to fire more potent GP11 ammunition and should never be fired using it.

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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 all US States and most nations around the world.

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Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.