Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional Orange Free State Boer contract Mauser rifle, serial number 3326, manufactured by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken of Berlin in 1897 and chambered for the famous 7×57mm Mauser cartridge. Clearly marked O.V.S. / 3326 on both the receiver and stock, it retains matching numbers throughout the serialized components, its full length 29.1" barrel, military sights, cleaning rod, and a particularly attractive flame figured stock displaying strong chatoyancy. These O.V.S. marked rifles have a direct and unmistakable connection to the Orange Free State and the military buildup that preceded the Second Boer War.

These rifles are extremely rare and desirable on the market. Currently serial number 4397 is being offered for sale by Joe Salter for $6195 at this link: OVS Model 1897 Mauser Rifle. Please note that ours is a lower serial number by over 1000 units, and has a highly attractive flame figured 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 history of the Boer Mauser is closely tied to the political crisis that followed the failed Jameson Raid of December 1895. Both the Oranje Vrij Staat, or Orange Free State, and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, better known as the Transvaal, responded by accelerating the purchase of modern repeating rifles. The 7×57mm Mauser became the principal modern shoulder arm of the Boer republics and earned a formidable reputation during the Second Boer War of 1899-1902. Period and later records indicate that the Orange Free State ultimately received approximately 7,850 Mauser long rifles, while the Transvaal acquired considerably larger quantities of rifles and carbines.

Collector terminology for these rifles can be confusing. They are variously called Models 1895, 1896, or 1897 depending upon markings and production period, while their basic action is derived from the earlier Model 1893 system. The great majority retained the characteristic flat or square bottomed bolt face and two lug action of the 1893 pattern, even when manufactured and dated in 1896 or 1897. For that reason, specialist literature often groups them more broadly as Boer Model 1893/95/96/97 Mausers.

This rifle carries the unmistakable Orange Free State property marking on the left front of the receiver:

O.V.S.
3326

The same:

O.V.S.
3326

is stamped into the stock immediately below the receiver. The O.V.S. marking is particularly important because rifles purchased for the Orange Free State were specifically marked in this manner, directly identifying their government ownership. Surviving institutional examples likewise show the O.V.S. designation on both the receiver and stock.

Serial number 3326 is also found on the bolt, magazine housing, and cleaning rod, while abbreviated number 26 appears on the magazine floor plate and the numbered components of the rear sight. All observed serialized components match this rifle, with no obvious indication of later numbered parts substitution. We therefore consider this an all matching example based upon the numbered components inspected.

The left side of the receiver is marked:

DEUTSCH WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABIKEN.
B E R L I N.

identifying manufacture by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, or DWM, the successor organization to Ludwig Loewe's extensive arms interests in Berlin. DWM manufactured large numbers of Boer contract Mausers during the late 1890s. The receiver ring on this particular rifle is unmarked apart from its O.V.S. identification and serial number.

Serial number 3326 falls within the early DWM Orange Free State production associated with the 1897 procurement period. Australian War Memorial records document O.V.S. marked DWM Mausers purchased by the Orange Free State in May 1897 as part of a 1,000 rifle order, which were allocated serial numbers O.V.S. 2901 through O.V.S. 3900. The dating and configuration of this rifle entirely consistent with that contract period.

The rifle measures approximately 48.6" overall and retains its full length 29.1" barrel. It is chambered for 7×57mm Mauser, the cartridge that became synonymous with Boer military use. Its relatively flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and efficient Mauser action made the combination particularly effective in the open terrain of southern Africa.

The metalwork remains in very good condition overall and retains a substantial amount of old blue. There is scattered peppering on portions of the barrel together with additional wear and speckling on the magazine floor plate. Particularly attractive traces of the original iridescent nitre blue remain on the magazine follower and portions of the barrel band springs, while the finish on the bolt release is more heavily worn. The rear sight remains complete and functional, the leaf raises correctly, and the slider lock operates as intended. Both sling swivels are present and move freely, while the matching cleaning rod unscrews correctly from its mounting.

The bolt cycles smoothly during careful manual inspection and the rifle gives a crisp dry fire. The firing pin, extractor, and ejector remain present. The three position wing safety functions correctly, preventing firing in the upright position and locking both bolt and firing mechanism when moved fully to the right. The bolt release also operates correctly and allows normal removal of the bolt. The magazine appears complete, although we have not tested feeding with cartridges and therefore cannot confirm its function under ammunition.

The bore is in very good service used condition, with a partly bright interior and clearly defined lands and grooves. There is some evidence of old fouling and oxidation within the grooves together with moderate wear to the land edges, showing that the rifle saw genuine use while remaining very respectable internally.

The stock is one of the most visually impressive features of this rifle. The lower stock displays unusually strong flame figure and pronounced chatoyancy extending from the fore end through the butt. It retains an attractive original style oil and wax appearance, with crisp surviving cartouches and no obvious evidence of modern sanding or refinishing. There are scattered dents and dings from service but no major cracks or structural repairs. A discolored area is present along the left wood line immediately behind the nose cap, consistent with prolonged rubbing or contact during its working life. The upper handguard has a similarly attractive aged finish and color.

With its unmistakable O.V.S. Orange Free State markings, all matching serial number 3326, 1897 DWM production, classic 7×57mm chambering, strong original finish, excellent mechanical completeness, very good bore, and unusually attractive flame figured stock, this is an especially desirable surviving Boer contract Mauser. It would be a standout addition to a collection of Boer War arms, Orange Free State militaria, early Mauser rifles, DWM contract firearms, or historic military rifles of southern Africa.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Maker: Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken
Model: 1897 OVS Contract Mauser
Serial No.: 3326
Caliber: 7×57mm Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 29.1 Inches
Overall Length: 48.6 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round internal magazine
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

More on the Mauser Model 1897:

The Mauser Model 1895 is a bolt operated magazine fed rifle using the 7×57mm Mauser cartridge. It was exported to many overseas powers, including the Chilean forces which adopted as the Fusil Mauser Chileno Modelo 1895. It is the first major modification of the Mauser Model 1893 and was produced by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, known as DWM, and its predecessor, the Ludwig Loewe Company from 1895 to 1900.

First supplied by the Ludwig Loewe & Co during 1895-1896 then later by the DWM (1897-1900), the Mauser model 1895 first made its appearance during a small arms race between Argentina and Chile in 1896 and 1898.[3] In this period, over 80,000 Model 1895 rifles and 30,000 Model 1895 carbines were shipped and deployed to the Chilean army.

The Model 1895 was also deployed to republic of the Orange Free State (Oranje Vrij Staat) and the South African Republic (The Z.A.R. but more commonly known as the “Transvaal”) by Ludwig Loewe and Co. (and later DMW) shortly after the Jameson Raid in December 1895 to deal with the shortage of modern magazine fed rifles for the state army. Roughly 70,000 Mauser rifles were ordered but only 55,000 were delivered. Some of the undelivered rifles were diverted to Chile, and as a result many of the rifles in that country bore the inscription “O.V.S” (Oranje Vrij Staat), Orange Free State.

The Model 1895 brought to the “Transvaal” was also known as "Boer Model" Mauser and those delivered to the Orange Free State (Oranje Vrij Staat) were marked “O.V.S.” just above the serial number accompanied. Rifles delivered to the Transvaal bore no state markings. All were marked “Mod. Mauser” followed by the date of manufacture. Because of this, a misunderstanding occurred regarding the identification between the Model 1896 and Model 1897. At the time, an Afrikaans farmer (also known as a Boer) could purchase a Mauser Model 1895 at a price of £3.

Another variant known in Afrikaans as Plezier Mauser was sold slightly above cost by the respective governments and private dealers for sport and private use. These rifles varied in stock style, barrel, sight lines and ornamentation. Some of the last rifles delivered by DWM were equipped with turned down bolt handles which made them suitable for the South African farmers on horseback. Work on the manufacturing of the Mauser Model 1895 was halted in 1899 by the Second Boer War.

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.