Make: Spandau Arsenal, Prussia
Model: Infanterie Gewehr Modell 71/84
Serial Number: 3545
Year of Manufacture: 1887
Caliber: 11x60mmR (11mm Mauser)
Action Type: Bolt action repeater with 8-shot tubular magazine.
Barrel Length: 31.5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a raised barleycorn post dovetailed to a base on the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up V-notch ladder sight graduated to 1,600 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth wood with a capped forend/stacking rod & bayonet lug, barrel band with sling loop, spring-secured rear band, sling loop mounted on the trigger guard, straight wrist, straight comb, and steel buttplate. The stock has evenly scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some more notable dings, primarily toward the rear of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light oxidation and minor erosion. The stock rates in about Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Bright
Finish Originality: Original, all numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and a little stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The balance is mostly minor oxidation on the bright-finished receiver and bolt-assembly. There is some other scattered faint oxidation on the blued parts. There is wear on the sides of the barrel bands. There are some scattered minor marks. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled with strong slots. The markings are clear. This rifle rates in about Excellent condition as an Antique.
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 Prussian Infanterie Gewehr Modell 71/84 was manufactured at the Spandau Arsenal in 1887 and represents one of the final developments of the Mauser black powder military rifle system prior to the adoption of smokeless powder arms. The 71/84 introduced a tubular magazine system to the original Model 1871 bolt-action rifle, allowing for an eight-round capacity and marking Germany's transition toward repeating infantry rifles. The 71/84 features a magazine cutoff, allowing soldiers to single-load while retaining eight rounds in the magazine in the event that rapid-fire was required. Rifles of this pattern saw service during a period of rapid technological advancement just before the widespread adoption of smokeless powder cartridges. This rifle is chambered in 11x60mmR, a black powder cartridge developed for German military service and typical of the era's large-caliber infantry rifles.
This rifle retains matching serialized components and sharp markings, with screw heads that show light tool marks but remain serviceable. The buttplate bears the "K.F.R. / E. 1. 48." unit marking of an Ersatz (replacement) battalion of the Kaiser Franz Regiment of grenadiers. The overall condition reflects careful preservation for a rifle of this age. Overall, this Model 71/84 stands as an excellent example of a late black powder era German service rifle, combining strong bore condition, matching components, and historical significance from a pivotal period in military firearms development. Please see our photos and good luck!
