{"product_id":"original-boer-war-orange-free-state-o-v-s-model-1897-7x57mm-mauser-rifle-by-dwm-berlin-with-flame-figured-stock-all-matching-serial-no-3326","title":"Original Boer War Orange Free State O.V.S. Model 1897 7×57mm Mauser Rifle by DWM Berlin with Flame Figured Stock, All Matching Serial No. 3326","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional Orange Free State Boer contract Mauser rifle, serial number \u003cstrong\u003e3326\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eDeutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken\u003c\/strong\u003e of Berlin in 1897 and chambered for the famous \u003cstrong\u003e7×57mm Mauser\u003c\/strong\u003e cartridge. Clearly marked \u003cstrong\u003eO.V.S. \/ 3326\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shop.joesalter.com\/Exceptional-All-Matching-Boer-War-OVS-Model-1897-Mauser-Rifle-By-DWM-Antique?\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOVS Model 1897 Mauser Rifle\u003c\/a\u003e. Please note that ours is a lower serial number by over 1000 units, and has a highly attractive flame figured stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe history of the Boer Mauser is closely tied to the political crisis that followed the failed Jameson Raid of December 1895. Both the \u003cem\u003eOranje Vrij Staat\u003c\/em\u003e, or Orange Free State, and the \u003cem\u003eZuid-Afrikaansche Republiek\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003e7,850 Mauser long rifles\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the Transvaal acquired considerably larger quantities of rifles and carbines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollector 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis rifle carries the unmistakable Orange Free State property marking on the left front of the receiver:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eO.V.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3326\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe same:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eO.V.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3326\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eis stamped into the stock immediately below the receiver. The \u003cstrong\u003eO.V.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial number \u003cstrong\u003e3326\u003c\/strong\u003e is also found on the bolt, magazine housing, and cleaning rod, while abbreviated number \u003cstrong\u003e26\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eall matching\u003c\/strong\u003e example based upon the numbered components inspected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the receiver is marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDEUTSCH WAFFEN-UND MUNITIONSFABIKEN.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB E R L I N.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eidentifying 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSerial 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 \u003cstrong\u003eMay 1897\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e48.6\"\u003c\/strong\u003e overall and retains its full length \u003cstrong\u003e29.1\"\u003c\/strong\u003e barrel. It is chambered for \u003cstrong\u003e7×57mm Mauser\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bore is in \u003cstrong\u003every good service used condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its unmistakable \u003cstrong\u003eO.V.S.\u003c\/strong\u003e Orange Free State markings, all matching serial number \u003cstrong\u003e3326\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1897\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMaker: Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1897 OVS Contract Mauser\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSerial No.: 3326\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 7×57mm Mauser\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 29.1 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: 48.6 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAction type: Bolt-Action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed System: 5 round internal magazine\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMore on the Mauser Model 1897:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst supplied by the Ludwig Loewe \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46286552170565,"sku":"ONJR26OCAS079","price":4995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/C129129F-49A6-4603-994D-24E5BCEF1C34.jpg?v=1793819560","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-boer-war-orange-free-state-o-v-s-model-1897-7x57mm-mauser-rifle-by-dwm-berlin-with-flame-figured-stock-all-matching-serial-no-3326","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}