Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used condition example of the Model 1895 Chilean Mauser Short Rifle, made by the renowned LUDWIG LOEWE ARMS COMPANY of BERLIN. It shows signs of long service, but doe snot have any major wear or damage from abuse. This gives it a lovely worn patina that is simply impossible to duplicate.

The Ludwig Loewe company was actually part owner of Mauser Waffenfabrik from 1887 onward, which is why they were the primary contractor for the export Mauser rifles. In 1896 the company consolidated its arms manufacturing, and founded Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken, the famous D.W.M.. All rifles made 1897 onward were marked with the new company abbreviation.. Therefore ANY LUDWIG LOEWE marked firearm is considered ANTIQUE by U.S. FEDERAL LAW. Most Chilean Contract M-1895 Rifles and Carbines found today are marked DWM, with examples by Ludwig Loewe being hard to find.

The left side of the receiver on this lovely example is marked with the production information:

To the left of this is serial number A 298, which is also stamped on the bolt and magazine housing, with shortened serial number 98 present on many of the smaller components. The marking on the stock has worn away, and the cleaning rod is an unmatched replacement, common for guns that were in service for a long time.

The chamber still has the Chilean coat of arms marked on it, though it is a bit worn from cleaning. The rest of the metalwork is in a similar condition, with the original bluing faded to a gray patina from years of cleaning and service. There is however still much of the "niter blue" finish on the magazine follower, as it is a very durable finish. The bolt, originally bright steel, now is slightly stained.

The stock is in lovely condition, having been reconditioned at arsenal in the past. This has removed any stock cartouches that were present, however it also has really brought out the lovely "tiger stripe flame" figured grain pattern that runs the entire length of the lower stock. Very attractive and sure to look good on the wall!

The rifle cycles well, with a crisp dry fire. We checked the bore, and it shows clear lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish. There is definitely wear and rounding on the lands, and some fouling and oxidation in the grooves, so this is a short rifle that definitely saw significant use.

Another Military Contract from the Victorian era that Mauser managed to snag from all its European competitors. In very nice condition and ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: pre-1897
Caliber: 7×57mm Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 21.25 Inches
Overall Length: 41.2 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round internal magazine

More on the Mauser Model 1895:

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 Mo 1895. It is the first major modification of the Mauser Model 1893 and was produced by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, known as DWM, and Ludwig Loewe Company from 1895 to 1900.

A Model 1895 short rifle was also produced, adopted as the Mosqueton Mauser Chileno Mo 1895, a slightly longer version of the carbine with an overall length of 41.2 in (1,046 mm), a 21.25 in (540 mm) barrel and a 1,400 m (1,531 yd) rear sight. The only other modifications are a bent bolt handle and sling swivels on the left side of the barrel band and stock

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. In this period, over 80,000 Model 1895 rifles and 30,000 Model 1895 carbines were shipped and deployed to the Chilean army.

The Mauser Model 1895 also saw service in Mexico, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Iran, El Salvador and Honduras. Mauser Model 1895 rifles and carbines were the standard weapons of the various Mexican armies during the Mexican Revolution while the Paraguayan rifles saw combat during the Chaco War. Forces led by Pancho Villa during the Mexican Revolution and later guerilla campaign would have been armed with these rifles.