Boer Mauser - Mystery markings

[Rewwl]

Hello. I am trying to identify the origins of my 7x57 Mauser. The rifle is basically two put together - the bolt assembly (all parts match) and all the rest (matching too).



The bolt has a square face and the rifle has Ludwig Loewe 1896 markings and A1627 serial number - which indicates that it is likely one of the few thousand that has been shipped to Z.A.R. This information is pretty easy to find, but what puzzles me are the unusual markings on the bolt (before the serial number), and a few markings on the ejector box parts that look like a Teutonic cross and a star. Couldn't find anything on them, so I'd appreciate any help.

[Surpmil]

Can't tell you anything about the marks, except that likely to be inspection stamps, but the stock/handguard have shrunk considerably and would benefit from raw linseed oil applied generously and repeatedly.

Always a nice find Boer Mausers, especially with matching bolts.

[oldfoneguy]

The Germanic cross inspection stamp a nice touch. It would be amazing if a name could be put with it. If only they could talk.

[Rewwl]

Can't tell you anything about the marks, except that likely to be inspection stamps, but the stock/handguard have shrunk considerably and would benefit from raw linseed oil applied generously and repeatedly.

I was thinking about replacing the stock entirely, as it has a crack along the butt, secured by glue and a couple of screws. However I am pretty sure this is a Boer rifle, so replacing a *potential* authentic stock, albeit cracked, with a surplus Chilean one makes me kinda reluctant. On the other hand, the stock has absolutely no markings whatsoever, so it's a wildcard really. Thanks for the advice though.

[Surpmil]

First step would be to determine if it actually is a Boer rifle - I referred to it as such without checking - I see no Boer markings and can't recall the exact details of the serial ranges, but the info is online.

There were some rifles from Boer orders that were never delivered and some of those were later sold to Chile IIRC.

If this is a Boer rifle, it is possible the stock was already changed by someone, but I would make very sure before changing anything. The stock may well be original and the repairs may even be of that era; you might want to post some photos.

If you have obviously very old repairs, and repairs that are not of a military standard of quality (and therefore probably not done in Chilean service), then you may have repairs that support a Boer provenance.

Start with the hard data on the serial numbers I'd suggest.

[Rewwl]

First step would be to determine if it actually is a Boer rifle

I've already did some research and the serial numbers do confirm this is a Boer Mauser.

The Model 1893/95 Mauser.
...those ordered by the Transvaal had an A, B, or C letter prefix preceding their serial number.

So this is a Z.A.R. Mauser, the ones which never made it and got sent to Chile have OVS markings.

The stock has only one marking - capital letter R behind the trigger guard

[butlersrangers]

The bolt release markings, 'cross' and 'star-cross', are Spanish 1893 markings.

Possibly the Ludwig Loewe factory used small parts from the Spanish Contract to complete a Boer Contract?

(Some countries' contracts for Mausers will have small parts, with a 'cresent moon', from the Turkish Contract and the "mix" is perfectly correct. These markings seem to have been a factory aid to identify parts, while filling simultaneous contracts).

The broken stock is interesting. Many Boers tossed their bolts and broke their rifle's stock when surrendering to the British.

I would not mess with your Boer Mauser and leave it, as is. Some Boer Mausers have no special markings, initials, or crests. They were often purchased by the Boer Citizen and were personal property. The letter scratched into the stock could have identified the rifle's owner.

[butlersrangers]

I took a picture of the bolt-release lever on my Loewe Model 1893 Spanish Mauser. (It was built in 1894).

(The rifle underwent rebuilding, likely at Oviedo, but, still has matching original numbers on action, bolt, rear-sight and barrel. The replacement Spanish stock was numbered to match the original Loewe serial number. The original Royal Spanish crest is visible on the action-ring, but, faint).

The bolt-release lever is not numbered. It has the two styles of crosses shown on the OP's Boer Mauser.

I believe my bolt-release lever is an original Loewe part, but then again, it could be of Spanish manufacture. The cross on the spring is faint.