Mauser Vergueiro Serial Numbers

[sw6385]

G'day everyone,

In new to milsurps so I apologise in advance if the answers fairly obvious, just trying to find a link to decipher the serial numbers on my 1904/39 Mauser Vergueiro.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Eaglelord17]

What are you trying to decipher?

[sw6385]

What are you trying to decipher?

Basically any history or info I can gain off the number would be good. I've just purchased the rifle and I'm just trying to get more background on it than I can off the normal sources like google etc. Thanks

[Eaglelord17]

As far as I am aware there isn't really any information you can really get off the serial number for these rifles (I have both a 1904 and a 1904/39). I know I tried finding some information years ago and I couldn't locate anything. I believe someone is writing a book at the moment but otherwise its just what you come up with on google. I think C&R arsenal did a video on them which are usually pretty decent in terms of information as Othais does a lot of background research first.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I just saw my first two of these last week end. Acquired one the other escaped. Very interesting rifles.

[Daan Kemp]

Designed in Portugal by Vergueiro and made by Mauser in 6.5x 58. Rebarreled to 7.9 x 57 Mauser about 1939. Many of them in 6.5 still in South Africa, donated to the Union by Portugal in WW1 as we didn't have much of anything to make war. Commonly know as the Portuguese Mauser. All have mismatched bolts owing to military storemen ...

[Eaglelord17]

Here is a comparison I did years ago between the two different models
https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=56864

And on this thread I have a photo of what I believe to be a M1904 Carbine (never actually adopted and issued)
https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=51288

These rifles are some of my favourites. Very smooth action, and it is a mechanical masterpiece (the more I learn about machining and millwrighting the smarter the bolt design is to me, just really difficult design if your not mechanically inclined). I have to say I have been very tempted every time I see another 6.5 M1904 up for sale to buy it. If I did buy enough of them I could possibly end up as the person with the worlds largest collection of M1904 rifles.

[sw6385]

Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated.

I was lucky enough to find one in good condition with all matching numbers besides the end cap/safety on the bolt. 7-8/10 bore aswell. I've attached some photos of it pre-cleanup. The stock needs taking back with thinners and re oiling and the steelwork needs a good clean.

Thanks again.