Original German-made Spanish Contract Mauser Model 1891 Carbine by Ludwig Loewe Dated 1894 - Serial 3479

Original Item: Only one Available. This is a very interesting example of a hard to find early Spanish Contract Mauser Carbine. Most are familiar with the Model 1892 Spanish Mauser Carbine, the last of the Single Feed magazine designs, and the later Model 1895 Mauser Carbine, but the Model 1891 occupies an interesting place in history. It is heavily based and in many ways almost interchangeable with the Argentine Contract Model 1891 Mauser Rifles and Carbines, and was somewhat of an "Emergency" order made in November of 1894. It was for 5000 carbines and intended to arm the colonial forces in Cuba, which were already using the 7.65 Mauser ammunition.

There is definitely still fairly active discussion on these carbines, and the history is not entirely known, but for the most part this looks exactly like what they are said to be: Argentine Contract Mauser Model 1891 carbines, but with Spanish markings. Examples are also often seen with Turkish markings on them, indicating that some parts may have been transferred between factories to meet the demand. This example actually has a bolt that is marked with the "Clasped Hands" cartouche of the Republic of Argentina, however it is serial matched to the receiver, so it is definitely original. It even comes with a lovely brass muzzle cover in place.

As with the other examples we have seen, the carbine was manufactured by Ludwig Loewe of Berlin, and is marked as such on the side of the receiver:

MANUFACTURA LOEWE BERLIN.

There is no model designation, as is correct for the contract. Ludwig Loewe (1837 – 1886) was an industrialist and philanthropist in Germany, and owned various companies, including arms producer Ludwig Loewe & Company. The company itself also held controlling interest in several other arms companies, including Waffenfabrik Mauser. After Ludwig passed away in 1886, his brother Isidor ran the company.

In 1896, Ludwig Loewe & Cie obtained a majority interest in the Karlsruhe-based Deutsche Metallpatronenfabrik. In the same year, it was decided to merge the ammunition production of Deutsche Metallpatronenfabrik with Loewe's firearms branch in Berlin, creating a new company of which Loewe remained the owner: Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). Any Loewe marked Mauser rifles are definitively Pre-1899 manufacture and considered antique by Federal law.

As this rifle is marked Loewe, it was produced prior to this change, and it is indeed marked BERLIN 1894 on top of the chamber, directly under a Spanish Royal coat of arms. It is also marked with serial number 3479 on the right side of the receiver, the chamber end of the barrel, and on the magazine floor plate. The bolt handle is matching but worn, with only 479 still visible, while the stock has been worn down and refinished, so we cannot see any of the original markings. There are also 6 pointed stars with oval arms on some components, as we have seen with other known examples.

The carbine is in very nice condition, with the original finish on the metalwork worn to a lovely mottled patina from years of service and cleaning, still showing some of the original bluing on the top of the barrel. The rifle cycles nicely, with a crisp dry fire, and does not appear to have any mechanical issues. The wing safety functions correctly, and the bolt retains the firing pin and extractor. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with clear lands and grooves. The lands are a bit rounded, and we can see past oxidation and fouling in the grooves, so the carbine did see a good amount of use, but was well cared for. The stock is lovely, showing a great red brown color over all, and there is some denting and damage to the fore stock as well. The left side of the butt stock also has some type of marking scrawled into it that we do not recognize.

A very nice example of a rare Spanish Contract Model 1891 Mauser Carbine. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1894
Caliber: Caliber: 7.65×53mm Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 36.75 Inches
Barrel Length: 17.25 inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: 5 round box magazine