Belgium Mauser

[Jon9021]

Hello everyone,

A question for you who are far more knowledgeable about these things than humble me.

Picked this up recently. I believe this to be a Belgium made short Mauser from the early 1950’s, and made for their Navy. It is in 30-6, which is what it was designed for, and has most of the grey finish that these rifles came in.

Most numbers matching, but some different ones of course. Cleaning rod missing (as always).

Please ignore the scope, it came with it. Someone was going for a “German sniper” look. That being said, it does look rather good actually.

Must admit it would be nice to know what you think it’s worth. It’s always nice to think you got a good deal!

Thank you,

Jon.

 

[Eaglelord17]

Why do you believe it was made for the Navy? The gray finish was just a later refurbishment system nothing to do with the Navy.

 

[Nestor]

It's not worth a lot. Not only it was drilled, but the bolt was butchered as well. Wood appears to be scratched. There was some pitting on the butt plate which appears to be either completely butchered and sanded down or replaced with some other model (it should look very different on the original rifle). Rear sight should be starting at 100 meters as far as I can remember on 1950 model. These don't bring a lot of money even in excellent condition. Certainly not as much as comparable WW2 specimens. With the excellent bore I wouldn't pay more than $350 for it.

 

[Jon9021]

Why do you believe it was made for the Navy? The gray finish was just a later refurbishment system nothing to do with the Navy.

Just from what I’ve read…that’s why I asked.

 

[Jon9021]

It's not worth a lot. Not only it was drilled, but the bolt was butchered as well. Wood appears to be scratched. There was some pitting on the butt plate which appears to be either completely butchered and sanded down or replaced with some other model (it should look very different on the original rifle). Rear sight should be starting at 100 meters as far as I can remember on 1950 model. These don't bring a lot of money even in excellent condition. Certainly not as much as comparable WW2 specimens. With the excellent bore I wouldn't pay more than $350 for it.

Thank you, as I said, it’s interesting just to find out things.

 

[Jon9021]

Why do you believe it was made for the Navy? The gray finish was just a later refurbishment system nothing to do with the Navy.

 

[bearhunter]

That "gray" finish is baked on paint.

I've read articles referring to the finish as a special request, "Navy" finish, applied to prevent corrosion.

 

[Jon9021]

That "gray" finish is baked on paint.

I've read articles referring to the finish as a special request, "Navy" finish, applied to prevent corrosion.

Thank you.

 

[Desert_Fox]

Yes. Old info referring to it as “Navy”. It’s now known to just mean it was refurbished.

Another selling point, like “Grey Ghost P38” and “Black Widow Luger”…

Just advertising copy made up by the importers to move guns.

 

[Eaglelord17]

The book ‘FN Mauser Rifles : Arming Belgium and the World’ by Anthony Vanderlinden completely disproves the grey ‘navy’ finish theory. It is simply when it was refurbished, earlier refurbs being blued, later ones greyed. Apparently you can see this with Belgian FN FALs though it is unlikely we would see that in Canada.

Not trying to be hostile or anything, just trying to correct a incorrect ‘fact’.

 

[slug]

The stock may be from a VZ-24 type rifle.
The 1950 model doesn't have the sling swivel by the pistol grip, nor the unit marking disc.
The scope looks like an elderly cheapie, but may be military.
It's really a mixmaster. No collector value, but a fun plinker with light loads

 

[Jon9021]

The stock may be from a VZ-24 type rifle.
The 1950 model doesn't have the sling swivel by the pistol grip, nor the unit marking disc.
The scope looks like an elderly cheapie, but may be military.
It's really a mixmaster. No collector value, but a fun plinker with light loads

Thanks, that’s pretty much what I though as well.

 

[Jon9021]

Yes. Old info referring to it as “Navy”. It’s now known to just mean it was refurbished.

Another selling point, like “Grey Ghost P38” and “Black Widow Luger”…

Just advertising copy made up by the importers to move guns.

Ah, thanks.

 

[Jon9021]

The book ‘FN Mauser Rifles : Arming Belgium and the World’ by Anthony Vanderlinden completely disproves the grey ‘navy’ finish theory. It is simply when it was refurbished, earlier refurbs being blued, later ones greyed. Apparently you can see this with Belgian FN FALs though it is unlikely we would see that in Canada.

Not trying to be hostile or anything, just trying to correct a incorrect ‘fact’.

Thanks for clarification, much appreciated.