Brazilian 1894 FN Mauser carbine.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Anyone have a line on how long these were made? I'm mainly interested in the antique status of it. Pics soon!

According to Ball, there were about 15000 made, for a contract signed in June 1894. With the FN production capability, and assuming they weren't just hanging around waiting for Christmas, that many carbines would have been produced in a couple of months. All done and dusted in 1894, and you are well within the 1898 "antiques" limit. Anyway, there should be an 1894 stamped on the left side of the receiver, just after "Herstal" at the end of the 2nd line. Tell anyone who asks that that is the production year and don't get involved in unprovable speculation to your own disadvantage.