Spandau 71/84 Rare Matching Mauser Serial #1 11mm Bolt Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1870
LSB#: 210527BB08
Make: Spandau Arsenal, Germany
Model: 71/84 (1871/1884)
Serial Number: 1. This is the first Model 71/84 produced at the Spandau Arsenal in Germany.
Year of Manufacture: 1886. Production ran from 1885 to 1888.
Caliber: 11x60mm Black Powder
Action Type: Bolt action with an 8 shot tubular magazine.
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the barrel shank is marked “crown / SPANDAU”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with the serial number, “10,95”, “crown / F.W.” and with two “crowned letters”. The right side of the barrel shank is marked with 4 “crowned letters”. The right side of the receiver is marked “1886.” and with a “crowned letter”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number and “I. G. Mod 71/84.” (I.G. for Infanterie Gewehr or Infantry Rifle.) Most of the metal parts, down to the screws, are marked with “crowned letters” and/or the serial number. The parts marked with the serial number include the bolt assembly (6 places), magazine tube cap (twice), magazine follower, buttplate, barrel bands, nosecap, front sight, flip up rear sight and the sight ladder. The top of the buttplate has a regiment marking on it. It reads “3.G.G.R. / R.233.”. The underside of the grip, right side of the buttstock and bottom of the buttstock are each marked with 2 “crowned letters”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 31 ½ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set atop a small base. The rear sight is a “V” notched flip up sight ladder. There is one stationary notched blade, one flip up notched blade at the rear of the assembly for longer distances, one notch on the top of the sight ladder and one sliding blade assembly on the flip up sight ladder. The ladder is marked from “4 – 14” and “16” at the top.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a straight grip, two barrel bands, nose cap with bayonet lug, two sling loops, stacking bar mounted on the magazine cap and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows scrapes, small scratches and some discoloration. The stock hardware shows scrapes and light surface erosion. The wood shows several scarpes, scratches and compression marks. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. These marks have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as an antique.
Type of Finish: Blue. Receiver and Bolt in the White
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright; semi bright at the muzzle. The rifling is sharp & deep. There is fouling and intermittent light erosion near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches and varying degrees of discoloration from oxidation. The barrel, rear sight base and bottom metal show areas of surface erosion. The surface erosion is heaviest on the trigger guard. The screw heads show use. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. The shell carrier and magazine cutoff lever function. The magazine spring still has tension. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Rare Model 71/84 Mauser was made at the Spandau Arsenal in Germany back in 1886. It was the First Model 71/84 produced at Spandau and is marked with Serial Number 1 in several places. This is not the first 71/84 ever produced, but it is the first 71/84 produced at Spandau. Production began in 1885 and ran until 1888. Spandau, Amberg, Erfurt, and Danzig all produced the German 71/84. This is a Rare Antique Mauser to add to your collection.
The Mauser Model 71/84 was designed as a tubular magazine version of the Model 1871 rifle. The Model 1871 was the first rifle model designed and manufactured by Paul and Wilhelm Mauser. The 11x60mm black powder cartridges are inserted through the open bolt onto a carrier and into the eight round tube magazine. When the bolt is opened, the carrier rises, allowing the round on it to feed into the chamber. The magazine cutoff can be engaged to make this a single shot rifle. For more on the Mauser Model 71/84 see pages 156 to 170 of Robert Ball’s book, Mauser Military Rifles of the World Fifth Edition.