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 rifles, 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 matches the pattern well, except that it looks like the original stock and handguard were lost at some point, and then replaced with a Mauser Model 1891 rifle stock that was cut down and re-shaped to fit the carbine barrel and action. The rear sling swivel was removed and the holes plugged, and the cleaning rod channel on the front was plugged as well. It possibly could have been an arsenal level repair, or done after it was out of service, which there is really no way to know.

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:

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).

As this rifle is still 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 4437 on the side of the chamber. The same number is stamped onto the bolt handle (faint) and the magazine housing. There are also numerous 6 pointed stars with oval arms on many components, as we have seen with other known examples.

The rifle is in very nice condition, with much of the original finish retained on the metalwork, with some small areas faded to a gray patina. 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, with strong lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There is some fouling and oxidation in the grooves, as expected from a weapon that saw real service.

The stock is lovely, with a lot of "flame" figuring, and does look to have seen some level of use since it was adapted for a carbine. There are no markings present, as they would have been removed during the conversion.

A very interesting 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