Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the Mauser Karabiner (Carbine) Model 1871, manufactured by V.C. Schilling of Suhl. These shorter versions are harder to find, and were intended for use by cavalry and lancers. It is covered with Imperial German inspection and acceptance markings, standard for these carbines. The serial number 8297 appears on the barrel, receiver, all parts of the bolt, butt plate, barrel bands, and even on some of the screws! That makes this a great "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years!

The right rear receiver is dated 1877, and the other side of the receiver is marked K. Mod. 71 in German "Black Letter" type, which stands for Karabiner (Carbine) Model 71. The top of the barrel nocks form is with the Imperial Eagle over V. C. G. H. / Suhl, the abbreviation for C.G. Haenel of Suhl in Thuringia, Germany. This company made both firearms under contract to various kingdoms in the German empire, and were also part of the "Suhl Consortium" of firearms makers. There are numerous proof marks stamped on the barrel nocks form, as well as the number 10,95, indicating the caliber of the rifle in millimeters. Below this on the left side is the Crown over L proof for Ludwig II of Bavaria, often called the "Swan King" or "The Fairy Tail King." He reigned from 1864 until his very suspicious death in 1886.

Our example is in a nice matured condition, with the original blued finish on the barrel worn to a plum patina, while the bright steel receiver and bolt now display a nice gray color from light oxidation. The markings are still crisp, and many have been highlighted with white to make them easier to see. The rifle cycles well with a crisp dry fire, and the "wing" safety is fully functional. We checked the bolt, and both the firing pin and extractor are present.

The bore is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and clear lands and grooves. There was definitely some past oxidation and fouling near the muzzle, now cleaned away, but overall it's really a great example. The stock shows the usual dents and scratches from long service, however the cartouches are still crisp, so it does not look to have been arsenal reconditioned, though there is a groove worn into the left side by the rear of the receiver. It has a lovely brown color, and has 'tiger flame' figuring on the left butt stock and in other areas. Definitely a beautiful example! The carbine has front and rear sling swivels, so it may have been intended for use other than horseback.

Overall this is a lovely example of a service used German Mauser model 1871 Carbine with some great Markings. The perfect addition to any German Mauser collection!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1877
Caliber: 11x60mmR Mauser
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 39 1/4 Inches
Action type: Bolt-Action
Feed System: Single Shot

History of the Mauser 1871

Adopted as the Gewehr 71 or Infanterie-Gewehr 71, or "Infantry Rifle 71 ("I.G.Mod.71" was stamped on the rifles themselves) was the first rifle model in a distinguished line designed and manufactured by Paul Mauser and Wilhelm Mauser of the Mauser company and later mass-produced at Spandau arsenal.

Paul Mauser developed his bolt-action rifle from 1866 to 1871. During 1870-71 trials with many different rifles took place, with the "M1869 Bavarian Werder" being the Mausers' chief competitor. The Mauser was provisionally adopted on 2 December 1871, pending the development of an appropriate safety. With support from the government's Spandau arsenal, the improvements to the safety mechanism were completed and the rifle was formally accepted on 14 February 1872 as Infantry Rifle Model 1871 by the German Empire excluding Bavaria. The action was not based on its predecessor, the Dreyse needle gun which had seen service during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, and which was found to have a number of weaknesses.

The now well known Mauser "wing" type safety lever was developed for the Gewehr 71. The Gewehr 71 is a conventional looking bolt action chambered in 11mm using black powder cartridges. The action included only a bolt guide rib as its single locking lug, locking forward of the receiving bridge. The original design was a single-shot. The design was updated in 1884 with an 8-round tubular magazine designed by Alfred von Kropatschek, making this Germany's first repeating rifle. This version was designated the Gewehr 1871/84. A version of this repeater was adopted by the Ottoman Empire. Designated the M1887, it differentiated from the M71/84 in that it had a side mounted cleaning rod, a second locking lug on the rear of the bolt, and it was in caliber 9.5×60mmR, which Paul Mauser touted as the most efficient (black powder) cartridge. In the early 20th century a few were converted to 7.65×53mm smokeless by the arsenal in Ankara.

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