Egyptian Second Contract FN49 8mm Mauser 23” Semi Auto Rifle, 1949 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,011.00
LSB#: LSB251220TO009
Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN). Second Egyptian Contract
Model: 1949 (FN 49)
Serial Number: 35240
Year of Manufacture: 1949 / C&R
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Short Stroke, Tilting Lock With Internal Box Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver has the Egyptian crown crest with “Egyptian Army” in Arabic. The right side of the receiver is marked with the Arabic and matching import serial number, “35240” along with the FNH rollmark. The serialized parts are matched. There are several small Belgian proofs throughout. There is an import mark on the barrel. The bayonet is not serial matched to the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 23 Inches.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post dovetailed between two protective ears. The rear sight is an aperture tangent sight marked to 10 in Arabic. The left side of the receiver is dovetailed and cut for a scope mount.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The three piece hardwood stock has a capped forend/bayonet lug, split piece top handguard, barrel band w/ sling loop, finger grooves, sling loop, semi-pistol grip, stock disc, sling loop, straight comb, and hinged brass buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13” inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Black Enamel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion and fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are scratches, nicks, and wear marks throughout. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good + condition. The bayonet is in Very Good condition with some moderate handling wear.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Leather sling, bayonet.
Our Assessment: This Egyptian second contract FN Model 1949 rifle was manufactured by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium and delivered to the Egyptian Army in 1949, as indicated by the crowned crest and Arabic markings on the receiver. Designed by Dieudonne Saive, the FN-49 represents one of the last full-power semi-automatic battle rifles widely adopted before the transition to select-fire service rifles. The design utilizes a short-stroke gas system with a tilting bolt, providing reliable semi-automatic operation while maintaining robust construction. Egyptian contract rifles are among the most recognized FN-49 variants, often distinguished by their crest, Arabic markings, and configuration features including provision for scope mounting. This rifle is chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, the German service cartridge introduced in 1903 with the S-Patrone and standardized in 1905, widely used throughout Europe and the Middle East. The bore is semi-bright with pronounced rifling and shows moderate erosion along with fouling, earning a rating of 9.5 out of 10. The rifle retains approximately 98 percent of its original black enamel finish with scattered scratches, nicks, and handling wear visible. The three-piece hardwood stock remains in Very Good condition with typical service wear including dents and small chips but no structural damage.
This rifle retains matching serialized components and shows only light action wear consistent with careful use. The screw heads remain sharp and the markings are clear and well defined. The rifle includes a leather sling and a bayonet in Very Good condition with moderate handling wear. Overall, this 1949 Egyptian FN-49 stands as a well-preserved example of a classic mid-20th century semi-automatic battle rifle, combining strong finish retention, matching numbers, and the distinctive features of the Egyptian contract series. -R.E.