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I had the pleasure recently, compliments of Springfield Armory, to examine some of the early Smokeless Trials rifles, Haenel rifles, and rare Mausers in their collection for some research I have been working on.
When I asked to look at this particular item, I really had no idea what it was. The only description online was:
MAUSER RIFLE SECTIONALIZED SN# 895
Manufactured by - Modified. Sectionalized. Receiver, bolt, and barrel section only. Complete with original container, clip and three dummy rounds, patch with star stitched on.
I put it on the list, and as my list was already VERY long, did not expect to give it more than a cursory glance.
I will be uploading more pictures as time allows, and hosting them on my website. You can find them here: https://www.myersarms.com/sectionalized-1892-mauser
The story that the curator relayed to me, was this piece was sent as a presentation, to Springfield Armory, AFTER the Krag Jorgensen design was accepted. A thumbing of the nose if you will, "this is what you could have had" statement. The United States tested 5 different Mauser designs in the trials, and for different reasons found them unsatisfactory. Much of this could be attributed to faulty ammunition or inconsistent ammunition. Others were merely matters of preference outlined in the committees strict standards necessary for adopting the rifle. I can also put up some of the Trials rifles if there is interest.
The rifle, truly, is the midpoint between a 1891 and a 1893. There is a blending of both, with a few improvements to come.
This was all compliments Springfield Armory, and I am most appreciative of their staff and their assistance. If you wish to use any of the photo's, I ask that you request permission first.
When I asked to look at this particular item, I really had no idea what it was. The only description online was:
MAUSER RIFLE SECTIONALIZED SN# 895
Manufactured by - Modified. Sectionalized. Receiver, bolt, and barrel section only. Complete with original container, clip and three dummy rounds, patch with star stitched on.
I put it on the list, and as my list was already VERY long, did not expect to give it more than a cursory glance.
I will be uploading more pictures as time allows, and hosting them on my website. You can find them here: https://www.myersarms.com/sectionalized-1892-mauser
The story that the curator relayed to me, was this piece was sent as a presentation, to Springfield Armory, AFTER the Krag Jorgensen design was accepted. A thumbing of the nose if you will, "this is what you could have had" statement. The United States tested 5 different Mauser designs in the trials, and for different reasons found them unsatisfactory. Much of this could be attributed to faulty ammunition or inconsistent ammunition. Others were merely matters of preference outlined in the committees strict standards necessary for adopting the rifle. I can also put up some of the Trials rifles if there is interest.
The rifle, truly, is the midpoint between a 1891 and a 1893. There is a blending of both, with a few improvements to come.
This was all compliments Springfield Armory, and I am most appreciative of their staff and their assistance. If you wish to use any of the photo's, I ask that you request permission first.