Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Belgian Model 1889 Mauser 7mm infantry rifle manufactured by Fabrique Nationale at Herstal-Liège and retained in its original full length configuration. It carries receiver serial number B1519, with the same number present on the magazine floor plate and a partial matching number on the buttplate. The barrel was later remarked B1519 to match the receiver, while the bolt is nonmatching and numbered O9509. The rifle also bears period or later ownership markings to William Livingston on the stock.

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 Mauser Model 1889 is a bolt-action rifle of Belgian origin. It became known as the 1889 Belgian Mauser, 1891 Argentine Mauser, and 1890 Turkish Mauser. Later developments that corrected deficiencies of the design would become the Mauser Model 1893 series of Rifles used in Spain as well as South America. These models then further evolved into the Gewehr Model 1898, whose action would be used for 50 years as the basis of many derivative designs.

The Model 1889 was initially developed to compete in Trials being held by the Belgian Government, which Mauser was eager to succeed in following the lack of Mauser involvement in the development of Germany's 1888 "Commission Rifle". The Mauser company had been dealing with the effects of founder Wilhelm Mauser's death in 1882. He had handled the business side of things at Mauser, while Paul Mauser was responsible for technical development. Belgium had already undergone two rounds of trials for a new rifle, however after the 8×50mmR Lebel cartridge using Poudre B smokeless powder was revealed in 1887 by France, all companies had to go back to the drawing board.

This gave Paul Mauser the time he needed to continue his work on a small rimless cartridge design inspired by the 88 Commission rifle, as well as developing a new stripper-clip loaded magazine. The resulting model 1889 was the winner of the Belgian trials, and with this design, the company was really "Back in Business", and would continue to do well for decades.

This example was manufactured by Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre at Herstal-Liège, Belgium. FN was established in 1889 by a consortium of Belgian arms makers specifically to fulfill the Belgian government’s large Model 1889 rifle contract, making early examples such as this especially representative of the company’s beginnings as a military arms manufacturer.

The top front of the receiver is marked:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE
HERSTAL-LIEGE.

The left side of the receiver is serial numbered:

B 1519

Research indicates that the initial production run in Belgium ran from 1889 until 1893, with approximately 150,000 arms made, serial numbered A 0000 up to N 9999 or a little farther. With an 1889 dated stock and a very early B-series serial number, this rifle is definitely considered a Pre-1899 Antique Firearm by the BATF.

The same serial number is also present on the magazine floor plate, while the buttplate carries a partial corresponding number. The barrel has been remarked:

B 1519

to match the receiver.

The bolt is nonmatching and is numbered on the rear of the cocking handle:

O 9509

The stock also bears a worn serial marking, but it is no longer legible enough to confirm.

The stock is additionally marked on the right side adjacent to the receiver:

WM. LIVINGSTON

and on the underside ahead of the magazine housing:

WILLIAM LIVINGSTON

These markings document association with an individual of that name, though no additional provenance is presently supplied.

The rifle remains in the original full length infantry configuration and has not been shortened into one of the later carbine or short rifle patterns frequently encountered on surviving Model 1889 actions.

The exterior metalwork has largely worn to a bright matte gray patina from past cleaning and removal of oxidation. Scattered peppering and traces of old corrosion remain visible, suggesting substantial exposure to moisture or the elements at some point in its service life.

The walnut stock remains in very good overall condition with an attractive red brown color and visible curl figuring through portions of the butt. It appears to have been substantially worn or sanded during earlier cleaning or reconditioning, softening some of the original contours. At the butt, the wood now sits noticeably below the level of the buttplate. No major cracks or structural repairs are noted.

The rear sight remains present and functional, with the slider retaining its position correctly. Both sling swivels are present and move freely. A cleaning rod is fitted beneath the barrel, though it appears too short for this rifle and may not be original to it.

The bolt action cycles correctly and the trigger releases with a crisp dry fire. The extractor remains present on the bolt face. The bolt can be removed normally using the spring loaded receiver release. The safety is present at the rear of the bolt but does not currently engage. Feeding from the magazine has not been tested.

The bore is in very good condition with strong lands and grooves and a mostly bright appearance. Some remnants of past fouling and oxidation remain in the grooves but appear to have been largely cleaned away.

Overall condition is very good for an early Belgian service rifle. The principal condition points are the nonmatching bolt, remarked barrel serial number, worn or sanded stock, inactive safety, undersized cleaning rod, and evidence of past oxidation and cleaning.

With its early B-series serial number, Fabrique Nationale Herstal-Liège receiver marking, original full length configuration, matching observed receiver and magazine floor plate numbering, William Livingston stock markings, and strong bore, this is a significant example of the Belgian Model 1889 Mauser and an early product of FN Herstal. It would fit especially well in a Belgian military rifle, early Mauser, Fabrique Nationale, or pre-1899 European service arms collection.

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1889-1893
Maker: Fabrique Nationale
Model: 1889 Mauser Long Rifle
Serial No.:B1519
Caliber: 7×57mm Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 31 Inches
Overall Length: 50 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round 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.