Robert Schrader Mauser Rifle

[Nathaniel Myers]

I purchased this rifle several years ago. The caliber, make, origin was unknown other than it had Robert Schrader and Gottingen marked on the barrel. The rifle is a typical Germanic sporter from the early 1900's. 1/3 Octagon, 2/3 round barrel, integral rib, integral front sight, integral sling swivel. Double set triggers, and possibly the one thing missing, is a lever release on the bottom metal. The stock is of typical style and construction.

I purchased the rifle sight unseen with only the following two pictures off of Gunbroker for a modest, but fair sum. I spoke with the gentleman selling it, he was a gunshop and knew nothing of the rifle, other than what little Google'ing he had done.





I will post all of the pictures that I have, and at the end, write a summary of what information I do know.

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

[Nathaniel Myers]

Last but not least, here is the Schrader marking. Odd that it is upside down?

[Nathaniel Myers]

The rifle has several serial numbers on it. What I believe to be Oberndorf the "Original Mauser" serial markings, note the trigger guard and receiver are different numbers, the builders numbers, and a third set, that I am not sure of.

The action # is 13580 and the trigger guard assembly is 13619. These are close enough that it makes sense to me to have left the factory together, as often Mauser merely grabbed parts out of inventory. The serial number puts them approximately 1906, which later, conflicts with some of the proof marks.

28005 on the action
74 on the barrel
005 and 74 appear on the bolt root
005 on the trigger guard

The rifle has had a rough life, originally it looks to have had a side scope mount, possibly having originally built with no scope setup. It was then later drilled and tapped for claw mounts.

It has been refinished at least once, fortunately the original case coloring on the bolt was preserved.

[Nathaniel Myers]

Barrel:
172/28 - Bore Gauge 8mm, the bore is "nominal" .318. The rifle is 8x57 and I have done some loading and shooting with it.
Crown N - Smokeless powder proof mark
Krupp Stahl - Krupp barrel steel

That sadly is the limit of my knowledge on that. I am curious what the following may indicate:
crown above the 172
script S S
crown over what may be a JB

Action:
Does it seem logical that the action may have been proved twice? The mix of markings is confusing.

It has the typical 2.67g G.B.P. over St.m.G, and a crown over N. So both Pre 1912 and Post 1912 markings. Of course the Alfa Drilling we just discussed had both as well.

Bolt:
Has standard Crown N proof

So I have questions both general and specific. I have a basic knowledge that Schrader was a tinkerer and inventor. In my Drilling book, there is a short bit about him, and I found a few patents that he filed. It sounds as though from other input that Schrader was not a gun builder, but like this rifle was built for him. I am curious though what is known about him. Was he from Gottingen?

[Nathaniel Myers]

Sometime ago I started to make new claw rings for this rifle. I could not bear to replace them with anything else. I intend to have the rifle rebored to 9.3 at which time I will rechamber it to 9.3x62. I intend to restore the rifle minimally, back to good functioning condition, but not more.