Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal (FNH), Belgium

Model: M1930

Serial Number: 35495

Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1930s

Caliber: 7mm Mauser (7x57mm)

Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with the Venezuelan crest and “E.E.U.U.DE / VENEZUELA” The side of the receiver is marked, “35495 / FAB.NAT. D’ARMAS de GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE” with belgian proof marks. The right side of the stock is marked, “35495” There are various small proofs throughout.

Barrel Length: 23.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post dovetailed to a raised knurled base. The rear sight is a V-notch sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.

Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two piece wood stock set with an end cap & bayonet lug w/ hole for missing cleaning rod, barrel band with a sling loop, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling loop, with steel buttplate. There are minor pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no cracks, but there are some small chips throughout and a repair at the bottom metal. The LOP is 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock rates in at about Very Good to Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, polished steel.

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout the blued surfaces with . The action has light wear. There are some small spots of rust. The bolt handle has been turned down and a notched cut out of the stock and receiver. The screw heads are lightly tooled and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This FN Herstal Venezuelan M1930 is a beautifully made Mauser bolt-action rifle, chambered in 7x57mm Mauser, and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium under contract for the Venezuelan military in the 1930s. This rifle represents one of the last and most refined iterations of the classic Mauser 98-style action, known for its robustness, smooth operation, and battlefield-proven reliability. The 23.5-inch barrel offers an excellent balance of accuracy and handling, while the sharply marked Venezuelan crest and crisp FN Herstal roll marks speak to the rifle’s quality and historical significance. The presence of a sporter-style bolt handle suggests a later arsenal modification or potential conversion for more ergonomic use, yet the rifle retains its original military profile and aesthetic. This example remains in very good condition, with about 90% of its original blued finish still intact. The bore is exceptionally clean and sharp, rating a 9.5/10 in our opinion, which is uncommon for rifles of this vintage and caliber—further enhancing its appeal to both shooters and collectors. The stock set is well-preserved, showing light wear, small chips, and a minor repair at the bottom metal, yet retaining its structural integrity and original finish. The rifle is complete with its military-style front sight, rear sight graduated to 2000 meters, and sling hardware, making it a complete and historically accurate representation of an early 20th-century South American military contract rifle.

For collectors of South American Mausers, military surplus enthusiasts, or fans of FN Herstal’s craftsmanship, this Venezuelan M1930 Mauser is a fantastic addition to any collection. Its combination of excellent bore condition, original finish, and distinctive markings make it both a shootable classic and a fine collectible. Whether you admire it for its historical context, shoot it for its ballistic performance, or preserve it as part of a curated military rifle collection, this FN-produced Venezuelan contract Mauser stands as a testament to the global influence and enduring legacy of the Mauser system.