Photos of my FN 1935 Venezuelan Model 1924 Mauser - Unissued, Unused, All-Matching

[The Kurgan]

From John's Vault

Needed nothing but a quick cleaning with some Hawes lemon oil. I don't think I've ever handled a finer piece in all my years. Talk about old world craftsmenship, quality finishing, and a smooth, refined action. The Mauser is really "all that".

 

[desporterizer]

Neat!

 

[Riflechair]

sweet!

 

[bearhunter]

Those old world rifles are just gorgeous.

 

[UCSPanther]

How all bolt action rifles should be constructed...

Nice wood stock and handguards, milled metal parts, none of that el-cheapo shabbed-together crudeness that most modern hunting have these days.

I've always loved Mauser-style wooden handguards and barrel bands...

 

[desporterizer]

Just look at the stock to action fit. I don't thing a 2 thou feeler gage would fit between.

 

[Skinny 1950]

How is it that this rifle escaped the wars that have occurred since its making.....???

 

[Skinny 1950]

Any background on how this rifle made it this far without any use??????

 

[BWEST]

A Real Beauty. --- a Great Example of a Very Well made Rifle !!! One nice Mauser !!!

 

[snowhunter]

What a beauty. Wondering how it survived in this brand new state for so long.

Venezuela has now shifted towards Kalasnikov's, which are being produced locally as well, including two ammo factories.

Many years ago, on my first trip to Venezuela, I remember only seeing the US Carbine in the hand of the security forces around the oil platforms in Lake Maracaibo.

Also had some "few" tense moments after leaving Venezuela for the US, when the Cuban Misille Crises started. Seems that it never really ended...

A very interesting piece of history, Congratulation

 

[Pblatzz]

Awesome rifle.!

 

[The Kurgan]

Any background on how this rifle made it this far without any use??????

I am not sure, but I do know that Venezuela ordered 16,500 "Short Rifles" (which is what I have) and Carbines from FN between 1934 and 1935, and smaller orders continued up to WWII:

Clearly, many were put into storage for future use. Given that Venezuela wasn't directly involved in WWII, there probably wasn't a need to activate all of their war stock. Apparently, many of these fine examples flooded the US surplus market back in the 1960's, and sold for about $60!! Too many of them were "sporterized" and used as hunting rifles. While a few nice original examples can still be found, most are well used, but still very sought after. I am just happy that bubba didn't get his grubby paws on this baby. You guys should see the rifling, its f***ing perfect, brand new!

I will take her to the range on occasion, but perhaps only a few rounds per year.

 

[smellie]

Glad to see she got safely to her new home.

My congratulations, Kurgan!