Questions on the M1895 Chilean Mauser

[Aragorn243]

I never saw a Chilean with the crest ground off. Not saying it didn't happen but those with the crest are not rare at all if that's what he's suggesting. Argentina did have a tendency to grind the crests off their items, especially their bayonets, so much so that even the ground off crest bayonets are collectible because those with the crest are so uncommon. I have seen Argentine rifles with ground crests.

You need to be careful in what is a mint rifle and what is a rifle in good condition. There are some photos of mint rifles on here that you can look at to see. If it has age wear like you suggested it is not mint. Price just seems very high to me and the price drop from a mint to a good rifle is considerable. The Chilean's are one of the lower priced South American rifles, probably due to their availability. Those of Brazil and especially Argentina command higher prices.

My Peterson price guide 5th edition (there is a 6th) lists the 1895 as follows:

Excellent $550
Very good $425
Good $275
Fair $150
Poor $100

Excellent is near mint 98% condition and 100% original factory condition
Very good is 92% and 100% factory condition
Good is 80% metal and wood finish, may be refinished (if old), may have small repairs, bore may have slight wear.
Fair is basically 30% and in working condition.

The rifles I generally encounter are those which would be classified as "Good" and they are selling in the $200-$250 range so Peterson's is more of a guide than a rule.