mauser I.D.

I have a Mauser made by FN Herstal. It is in 30-06.

I don't have photos yet, but the receiver ring has the following markings:

The stamped image of a crown.
Beneath that is a stylish letter "L" in a cursive font.
Beneath this is the letters "ABL"
Beneath this is "1951"

Any guesses as to what it is?

I have been meaning to photograph it, but I never remember and I am not sure how to download photos on these library computaters.

Thanks all,
Ralph Ed

You have a Model 1950 Belgian rifle.

The letter L is the monogram for King Leopold III of Belgium, 1951 is the year it was made. King Leopold abdicated on July 16, 1951 and his son Baudouin took over. So, Leopold marked rifles are a little harder to find the ones with a B on the chamber (for King Baudouin).

IIRC, the ABL stands for Belian Army ownership.

The finish should be black enamel paint (Army) or gray phosphate (Navy).

30-06 is the original caliber.

You can go to http://www.mauser-rifles.com/Mauser%...ID%20Guide.htm to see my 1950 Belgian rifle.

Regards, Walter

By good golly thats the one!

I gotta recut the crown, and the cleaning rod and most of the paint is gone.

I have a radius cutter for garands that will look correct enough, I am not going to try to hide it.

Plus someone varnished (or prolly true-oiled) the stock. It's too shiny and has the runs (looks like crap).

Thank You
Ralph Ed