Mauser-Vergueiro Portuguese 1904/39

7.9mm

Description

Also known as the Portuguese Mauser, the Mauser–Vergueiro was a bolt-action rifle designed in 1904 by José Alberto Vergueiro, an infantry officer of the Portuguese Army & manufactured by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM). It was developed from the Mauser 98 rifle with the introduction of a new bolt system derived from the Gewehr 1888 & Mannlicher–Schönauer. It originally used the 6.5×58mm Vergueiro, a cartridge developed specially for it. The weapon replaced the Kropatschek m/1886 as the standard infantry rifle of the Portuguese Army in 1904, remaining in service until it was replaced by the Mauser 98k in 1939. In Portuguese service the weapon was officially designated Espingarda 6,5 mm m/1904 ("Rifle 6.5mm m/1904"). A total of only 100,000 rifles were produced for Portugal. In 1915, 20,000 of Portugal's Mauser–Vergueiro rifles were sold to South Africa, which had insufficient Lee–Enfield SMLE rifles to supply all of its troops. In Portuguese & South African service it was used in combat in WW1 & in several colonial campaigns. The German colonial troops in East Africa also used Mauser–Vergueiro rifles captured from the allied forces in combat. The Portuguese Expeditionary Corps on the Western Front used British weapons & equipment for logistical reasons & so did not use the Vergueiro. In 1939, after the Portuguese Army had adopted the 7.92×57mm Mauser 98k as the M1937, many of the remaining Mauser–Vergueiro rifles were modified to chamber the new standard cartridge. This is one of these rifles. The modified rifles were called Espingarda 8 mm m/1904-39. Markings on the modified rifles remained unchanged with the exception of the caliber designation "6,5" being stamped over on some rifles with two "X" marks. This was apparently done by individual Portuguese armorers rather than as standard practice. This rifle has not had the 6.5 stamped out, which is unusual. This example is in good overall condition as can be seen in the photos with a very good bore & has matching barrel, receiver, floor plate & stock. The bolt does not match the rifle which is not unusual but matches itself. It also comes with the matching numbered bayonet! This would be a great addition to any Mauser collection & a great service rifle shooter. Please view all of the photos carefully as they form the main description & override all others so feel free to ask for more as we have taken plenty.  

Specifications