Salesman's sample? What model

[boltaction]

Good morning all:
I've been meaning to seek opinions on this rifle for some time, but life keeps getting in the way. I picked this rifle up at an auction a couple of years ago, and am still puzzled by it. It is a Fabrique Nationale production rifle, looks like a pretty standard Model 1893. It is virtually identical to my Boer and Spanish ones in terms of stock line, barrel length, etc. It has the square bottom bolt head, and the beveled rear mag follower lip, so no hold-open on last shot. It is serial number 8. It has no crest on it; just the Fabrique Nationale logo. On the underside of the stock it is stamped 93/1907. It has a set of British proofs on the side of the barrel.

Given the rapid proliferation of countries arming themselves with Mausers in the years leading up to WWI, and the competition between companies, I assume it is some sort of a salesman's sample or prototype offering for someone, but not sure who. There is no reference to it in Ball's book, and no mention in the Belgium section of a 1907 variant on the 1893. The date marking may simply indicate that it is an 1893 made in 1907? The rifle is in essentially unused condition, and is only missing the slide and little set screw from the rearsight--a standard one should fit, so if I find a ratty 1893 I'll probably cannibalize it.

Anyone have any ideas about this, or seen something similar?

Thx

Ed

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.