Make: Mauser

Model: 1871/84

Serial Number: 5297, the bolt is not serial matching

Year of Manufacture: 1885-1890 / ATF Classification: Antique

Caliber/Gauge: 11mm Mauser

Action Type: Bolt action, tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 31.5"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a raised base. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight adjustable from 400 to 1600 meters.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a one piece wood with a straight comb, straight wrist grip, and a smooth metal buttplate. The buttplate shows heavy wear and oxidation. The furniture shows heavy wear with pressure dings, scuffs, and nicks throughout. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no visible cracks. This furniture rates in about Very Good condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Arsenal refurbished in 1905

Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is worn. There is moderate pitting and erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The bluing shows light putting, surface oxidation, and wear marks through the finish. The screw heads range from lightly to heavily tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling.

Our Assessment: This arsenal-refurbished Mauser Model 1871/84 was produced circa 1885 to 1890 and represents Germany's transitional step from single-shot to repeating infantry rifles in the late 19th century. The 71/84 was an evolutionary update to the original Model 1871, incorporating a tubular magazine beneath the barrel while retaining the robust Mauser bolt system. Arsenal refurbishment reflects the Imperial German practice of updating and maintaining service arms to extend their usefulness during a period of rapid technological change.

Chambered in 11mm Mauser with a 31.5" barrel, this rifle embodies the black powder era of military small arms, when long barrels and heavy projectiles defined infantry doctrine. The 11mm Mauser cartridge served as Germany's standard service round before the adoption of smokeless powder and smaller calibers, and it occupies an important place in the development of modern military ammunition. The bore rates 6.5 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, indicating a semi-serviceable example that shows the effects of age and use.

Approximately 40% of the refurbished blued finish remains, consistent with arsenal rework rather than original factory finish, and the bolt is nonmatching. These factors are typical of rifles that saw extended service life and subsequent refurbishment. As an arsenal-refurbished Mauser 1871/84, this rifle offers a tangible link to late 19th century German military development, bridging the gap between early bolt action designs and the smokeless powder era that soon followed.