Imperial German, Spandau Arsenal, 1886 Dated, 11mm Mauser (11 x 60R) M1871/84, 8 Shot Tube Magazine Obsolete Calibre Rifle. Sn 23443 Imperial German, Spandau Arsenal, 1886 Dated, 11mm Mauser (11 x 60R) M1871/84, 8 Shot Tube Magazine Obsolete Calibre Rifle. Sn 23443 Bolt Action Obsolete Rifle

This is an Imperial German, 1888 dated, 11mm (11 x 60R) Mauser Model 1871/84 rifle made at the Imperial German Spandau Arsenal in 1886. The rifle was developed from the single shot model 1871 rifle which was improved and modified into a repeating rifle with the insertion of a tubular magazine enclosed within the fore end to hold 8 rounds of ammunition that was similar to the Swiss Vettrli rifles of the period. This gun was the first magazine fed rifle used by the German army. The design of the rifle, introduced into service in 1884 was quickly superseded by the invention of smokeless powder as a propellant which was vastly superior to the older black powders used on the Mauser M1871/84 and similar rifles. The Mauser Gewehr 1888 quickly superseded the M1871/84 in the German army and gun was regulated to secondary use including use in the First World War. This rifle was made at the Imperial Spandau armoury which is stamped on the barrel together with various proof marks and the serial number 2446 which is repeated on the receiver and barrel. The side of the receiver is stamped I.G.Mod 71/84 4775 on one side and 1886 (manufacturing date) on the other side together with various inspection markings. The top of the butt plate is stamped on the top aG.GR B.4.27 (Garde-Grenadier-Regiment, Guard Grenadier Regiment). The rifles metalwork retains most of its original polished blued finish together with polished metal finishes including the fittings. The woodwork is in excellent condition together with inspection stamps on the right hand side of the stock and the trigger guard. The rifles bore is bright with well defined rifling. The gun has a full length tube magazine, steel butt plate, blade foresight & adjustable rear sight. The weapon’s cocking & firing mechanism work correctly. The bayonet for this rifle is listed separately on our web site. As an obsolete calibre weapon, no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 23443