Argentine Mauser 1891/31 Engineer’s Carbine 7.65×53 Bolt Action Rifle Antiq
SOLD FOR: $1,385.00
WOA#: WY240526MC009
Make: Loewe Berlin, Germany
Model: Argentine Mauser Model 1891/31 Engineer’s Carbine
Serial Number: A 3252
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1896 (These rifles were converted in 1931-32)
Caliber: 7.65x53mm
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver has an Argentine crest, the right side is marked, “A 3252” the left side is marked, “MAUSER MODELO ARGENTINO 1891 / MANUFACTURA LOEWE BERLIN” The barrel shank is marked, “A 3252” The bottom metal is marked, “A 3252” The barrel band is marked, “40 / 40” The front band is marked, “50 / 11”
Barrel Length: 17”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade post set between the two protective wings of the nose cap . The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a flip up sight ladder. The ladder uses a separate sliding v-notch blade.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This rifle has a two piece wood stock set with a forend cap, front bayonet lug, barrel band W/ bayonet lug & side sling loop, barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, left side sling bar, and steel buttplate. There are repairs at the comb and wrist. There are pressure dents, scratches, and small chips throughout. There is a crack through the wrist repair. The LOP measures 13.1” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is defined. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn off or turned to patina. There are scratches, nicks, and impact marks throughout the metal. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are worn in places. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
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. This rifle is designed to be used with the Remington 1897 bayonet.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Argentine Mauser 1891/31 Engineer’s Carbine is a distinctive variant of the classic Mauser Model 1891 rifle, designed specifically for use by engineer troops in Argentina. This carbine represents a significant modification of the original Model 1891, which was the first Mauser rifle adopted by the Argentine military. The 1891/31 Engineer’s Carbine was developed to meet the specific needs of engineers, who required a shorter, more maneuverable firearm for their specialized roles. The original Mauser Model 1891 was adopted by Argentina in the early 1890s, chambered in 7.65×53mm Mauser, a round that provided a good balance of power and accuracy. The rifle was well-regarded for its robust construction and the precision of its Mauser action. However, as military tactics evolved, there was a growing need for more compact firearms that could be easily handled in the close quarters of engineering work, such as bridge building, fortifications, and demolition tasks. In the early 1930s, Argentina undertook a modernization program for its Mauser rifles, leading to the creation of 5,043 of the 1891/31 Engineer’s Carbines. This carbine was a converted version of the Model 1891 carbine, with a barrel length of 18 inches, making it significantly shorter than the original rifle. The reduction in length made the carbine more practical for engineers who needed a weapon that was easy to carry and operate in confined spaces.
The Argentine Mauser 1891/31 Engineer’s Carbine is a relatively rare and sought-after firearm among collectors, particularly those with an interest in military rifles and Mauser variants. It is valued not only for its historical significance as part of Argentina’s military heritage but also for its practical design, which reflects the specific needs of engineer troops in the early 20th century. Despite being a modification of an older design, the 1891/31 Engineer’s Carbine remains an excellent example of how military firearms were adapted to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. -R.E.
