Portuguese M1904 questions

Hi all,

Recently I acquired something I had been wanting for several years now, just never got around to getting it. It is a M1904 Portuguese Mauser-Vergueiro in the original 6.5x58 caliber.

This particular example was issued in Mozambique, and is number 196. My main issue is when I looked for where the serial number is on my M1904/39, it isn't there on the M1904. I haven't found any evidence of it being scrubbed, or being worn off by pitting (the receiver is actually free of pitting which is surprising as usually they have a bit, even my M1904/39 has some).

Later on I will do a good side by side comparison between the M1904 and M1904/39 however I was wondering if anyone might have a answer as to why it would be without a serial number. Maybe the receiver was replaced with a unmarked spare (which also might explain why it is in such nice shape)? Well anyways here are some photos, maybe they might help.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...v7vgv5vc-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...kalgzbcq-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...qglywi2q-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...9yxz07hm-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...x1c9zkdp-1.jpg

Well after doing a bit more looking at it, I noticed the butt-plate is marked UDF, so it was one of the rifles given to South Africa in WWI. That rules out the replaced receiver argument. The rifle is pretty much completely mismatched (bolt parts, magazine parts, handguard), however the stock doesn't have a serial number as well. Also the barrel bands are unnumbered as well.

Did you check the barrel under the wood for a serial number?

I did, I had it completely stripped down. Couldn't find one anywhere. Even compared to my M1904/39 to see where it was on there and still couldn't find it on my M1904.

Well looked again and found a C41 on both the barrel and the underside of the receiver. I guess I will just use that as the serial number then.

Attachment 72913Serial number location.

Thanks, I know that is where it is supposed to be, but it is blank at that location. Oh well, the C41 I found on the bottom of the receiver matches a C41 on the barrel and I guess I will just go by that then.

Mine (1904/39) still has one in the usual place:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...39faae22-1.jpg
Only photo in the album of that area!