DESCRIPTION: Very scarce German Mauser M.1871 jaeger rifle! The rifle was manufactured by Osterreichische Waffenfabriks Gesellschaft, Steyr in 1875, as indicated by markings on the receiver and chamber. M.71 jaeger rifle is similar to M.71 infantry rifle, yet it is slightly shorter. The jaeger rifle has also a different style trigger guard with a finger spur. This feature is found only on the jaeger rifles. The rear sling swivel is located behind the trigger guard. The rifle has matching serial numbers, except for the bolt (the matching serial numbers are stamped on the receiver, barrel, buttplate, nosecap, barrel band, trigger guard plate, front sight and rear sight). The bolt displays mismatched serial numbers. The screw heads display matching serial numbers (except for the bolt screw). All the serial numbers are original and they were not restamped. Numerous German proofs are present on metal and stock. The octagonal part of the barrel displays an abbreviated name of the arsenal, "Osterr.Wafffb.Ges.". Left side of the barrel displays Prussian Crown over "FW" (Frederick Wilhelm, King of Prussia). The buttplate tang displays Imperial German Military acceptance mark, "Crown over Gothic D" and Imperial German regimental markings, "10 A. L. 15. 55." (10 Feldartllerie-Regiment, Landwehr-Kompanie). Steel butt plate and trigger guard. Straight bolt handle. Overall length: 48.75 inch. Barrel length: 29.5 inch. Complete with original cleaning rod. The latter displays a correct Imperial German military acceptance mark, "Crown over Gothic D". CONDITION: Low fine. Metal has about 78% of original finish, which is turning to uniform brown color patina. The balance is in white, mixed with some gray and brown patina. The receiver and bolt have polished steel finish (now covered with some patina), which is correct for this model. Some surface rust/pitting in the middle of the barrel. The cleaning rod has some scattered patina. The bore is in excellent condition with strong and shiny rifling. Strong action. All the internal parts of the rifle are in very good to fine condition, with no visible wear. Solid stock with usual handling marks, scratches and dings. There are some small hairline cracks in the upper part of the buttstock, just behind the receiver tang (please, see pictures). The German proofs on the stock are still partially visible (Gothic letters under the crown). The rear sight spring is missing. The bolt cocking piece is predrilled for some kind of the posted sights (this part can be easily replaced, please, see pictures). Difficult to find Mauser M.71 jaeger rifle.
