Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori M1896 Swedish Mauser 6.5x55mm Bolt Action

SOLD FOR: $2,525.00

LSB#: LSB250727DF005

Make: Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori, Eskilstuna, Sweden

Model: Model 1896 Swedish Mauser (Arsenal-Upgraded Configuration)

Serial Number: 057 (All Matching Rifle & Scope Mount)

Year of Manufacture: 1904

Caliber: 6.5×55mm Swedish

Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle, Internal 5-Round Magazine

Markings: The receiver ring is marked “CARL GUSTAFS STADS / GEVÄRSFAKTORI / 1904” beneath the Swedish crown. The bolt, barrel bands, floorplate, safety, and buttplate are all serial numbered “057.” Swedish crown inspection marks are present throughout, including the receiver bridge, bolt handle, and stock wrist. The buttstock disk reads “T5 / 42 / No 570,” consistent with Swedish regimental inventory designation. The stock shows crisp crowned acceptance cartouches on the right wrist and underside, verifying original Swedish armory inspection.

Barrel Length: 29.1”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade protected by a ring-shaped hood, a later Swedish arsenal upgrade applied to select Model 1896 rifles during the interwar period. The rear sight is a tangent leaf graduated from 300 to 600 meters, calibrated for the m/94-41 6.5×55mm cartridge. Included is an AGA m/42 3×65 scope, serial numbered “No. 2049,” with Swedish crown markings. The optic’s mount is serial numbered “057,” matching the rifle, indicating this scope mount was fitted and retained with this exact rifle.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a full-length walnut with matching handguard, grasping grooves, straight wrist, steel nose cap, and cupped steel buttplate. The wood displays light service wear and small compression marks consistent with careful armory use. The grain remains strong and markings are well defined. There are no cracks or structural defects. The stock rates in about Fine condition overall.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original blued finish. Wear is present on the high edges of the receiver, magazine floorplate, and buttplate. All serial numbers are matching, and the metal surfaces retain their original royal inspection crowns. The sling swivels and cleaning rod are present, and the rifle remains mechanically excellent.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly with a smooth Mauser bolt cycle, proper safety engagement, and crisp trigger break. The magazine cutoff operates properly. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Accessories: Included are the following:

• AGA m/42 3×65 scope with leather lens cover and matching “057”-numbered mount.
  
   
• Swedish Model 1896 bayonet, maker marked EJ AB Eskilstuna, numbered “752” (non-matching), with leather frog and steel scabbard numbered “875.”
  
   
• Busch Rathenow 6×30 monocular, marked with Swedish crown and dated 1942, with leather case.
  
   
• Swedish military compass, marked with Swedish crown, dated 1942, and numbered “54647,” complete with its original brown leather case.
  
   
• Twin aluminum oiler with attached jag and cleaning rod section.
  
   
• Swedish leather sling, period correct.
  
   

Our Assessment:
The Swedish Model 1896 Mauser, produced by Carl Gustafs in Eskilstuna, stands as one of the finest examples of turn-of-the-century European military arms craftsmanship. Chambered in 6.5×55mm Swedish, this rifle embodies Sweden’s emphasis on precision and marksmanship, pairing the robust Mauser action with Scandinavian engineering refinement.

This 1904-dated rifle remains all matching throughout, including its original scope mount, a rare feature seldom encountered outside of specially equipped rifles. The later arsenal addition of the hooded front sight reflects mid-century Swedish modernization practices and gives the rifle the appearance of the transitional m/96–38 type while retaining the long action and barrel of the classic m/96.

Accompanied by a correct AGA m/42 optic, Eskilstuna bayonet, Busch Rathenow monocular, and 1942-dated compass, this rifle is presented as an exceptionally complete Swedish armory ensemble. Each component reflects the country’s meticulous standards and tradition of accuracy — a cohesive, historically rich set that captures Sweden’s dedication to precision arms and military craftsmanship across decades of service. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to take a look at the condition of the revolver in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.