Long time lurker, first time poster. I have always had a weakness for the early (pre-1914) South American Mausers.
It was at this time that the newly-unified Germany was flexing its military and technical muscles. The rifles they produced had a level of quality fit and finish (not no mention wood!) that today's custom builders would be hard put to match. These were literally the finest military rifles that it was possible to manufacture (with all apologies to the SMLE - arguably the BEST bolt-action battle rifle ever)
That said, it seems that the Argentino and Chileo Mausers, inasmuch that they were better maintained, exemplify the breed. The 1909 Argentino sets the standard, and with a strong '98-type action, seems to be the cream of the crop.
And, here's my latest '09, an engneer (or mountain) carbine:
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...11/10/09-1.jpg
