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Legacy Member
Mauser project
Hi, I need some help here with a potential restoration/clean up. I acquired this Mauser some years ago and did some research on it's history. The rough inscription on the side looks like it had been done with a bayonet tip or knife. I have the Unit History of the 41st Battalion and amongst the reports of action, it states that on the 30th September 1918, there were a number of items seized in an attack near the Hindenburg Line. Apart from the usual rifles, 28 machine guns, 2 captured Lewis guns and Whizz Bang artillery piece, there is mention of an anti tank rifle. This is the only mention through out the book. Perhaps a coincidence, I don't know. I do know that the lady I bought this off, stated that it did belong to her grandfather. I haven't been able to trace his name as yet through the Australian War Memorial roll of Honour.
I have added some pictures and would appreciate some input on what I can do with the stock to preserve it. There is some ancient varnish/shellac that has mostly flaked off. I may be able to remove this with methylated spirits and a cloth. I would like to keep the patina of the woodwork as much as possible. I have the complete rifle, apart from the bolt and bipod. The metal work is in good condition, considering it's life. The bore would certainly be shootable with clear and distinct rifling. The rifle is matching on all parts.
The Mauser 98 bolt shroud is for scale against the size of the action screws. Overall, this is a rifle of Herculean proportions and would have been quite stout to shoot.
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Last edited by bcd8238; 08-15-2018 at 01:02 AM.
Reason: typing
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The Following 2 Members Say Thank You to bcd8238 For This Useful Post:
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08-15-2018 01:00 AM
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bcd, What a fantastic find. It would really be interesting to research this (like you are doing!) Congrats! Salt Flat
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Thank You to Salt Flat For This Useful Post:
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Legacy Member
Thanks Salt Flat, This one has been sitting in the safe since getting it. I have thought about a clean up/ resto for a while. The photo of the butt show there is still gravel or grit still embedded in the wood. I guess some BLO would be the better wood treatment. I thought about posting about this one as it is very unique and certainly a piece of WW1 Aussie history.
I had thought when I bought it that it may have been a faked engraving. I bought the Unit History about 2 years ago and was totally surprised to find it mentioned there. I'm pretty much convinced that this is a genuine battlefield capture and subsequent trophy bring back. It would have been quite an effort to bring it back to Aussie after the war.
Finding a bipod here in Aussie has been a fruitless exercise so far. The chances of finding a bolt are even more remote. However, I'm still extremely happy to be the custodian of this one for my time. If it had been surrendered to the authorities, I have no doubt it would have been destroyed.
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Legacy Member
You should change the thread topic to Mauser Anti Tank rifle find! What an awesome gun to do some plinking on a weekend if you ever manage to find a bolt!
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Thank You to Daan Kemp For This Useful Post:
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Legacy Member
Mauser T Gewehr resto project
Hi Daan, I would if I could. Mate, I'm a hands on type of bloke, not too computer savvy.
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