Egyptian Contract FN-49 23” Barrel 8mm Mauser Semi Automatic Rifle, C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,325.07

LSB#: LSB250611YM018

Make: Fabrique Nationale (FN). Egyptian Contract

Model: 1949 (FN 49)

Serial Number: 5967

Year of Manufacture: 1949 to 1951

Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Short Stroke, Tilting Lock, Internal Magazine

Markings: The top of the receiver has an Egyptian crest. The left side of the receiver is marked, “5967 / FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE” There are various Egyptian serials throughout. There is an import mark on the barrel. The bolt is non-matched to the receiver.

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.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, metal forend cap, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a brass buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. The stock disc is present.There are several small cracks throughout along with repairs at the receiver and top handguard. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized, Black Enamel Paint

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is faint erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 8.5/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning and patina throughout. There are scratches, nicks, and small spots of rust throughout. The fixed magazine has some small dents. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair + condition. The bayonet is in Very Good condition with a repro leather frog.

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, muzzle device, small parts kit, 14x stripper clips.

Our Assessment: The FN-49 was Fabrique Nationale’s first successful semi-automatic battle rifle, designed by Dieudonné Saive and adopted by a number of nations in the early post–World War II era. Egypt was one of FN’s largest customers, purchasing tens of thousands of rifles chambered in 8mm Mauser. These rifles served as the backbone of Egypt’s small arms inventory through the 1950s and into the 1960s, seeing use in conflicts across the Middle East. The Egyptian contract rifles are easily recognizable by their crests and brass buttplates, and they remain some of the more historically significant variants due to their widespread combat use and political context during the early Cold War. This example shows evidence of long military service but retains solid mechanical condition. The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling, rating 8.5/10, and is notably strong compared to many examples encountered on the surplus market. The stock has scattered dents, cracks, and arsenal repairs, particularly near the receiver and top handguard, but remains structurally intact. The finish is well worn, with about 40% remaining, showing thinning, patina, and scattered rust. The fixed magazine has dents, and the bolt is mismatched, both common traits among hard-service FN-49s. Even so, the rifle retains its arsenal character with clear markings and functional mechanics. The inclusion of its bayonet with leather frog, sling, muzzle device, small parts kit, and 14 stripper clips makes this package more complete and desirable than most.

For collectors, the Egyptian FN-49 offers both historical weight and practical appeal. While not in pristine condition, this rifle embodies the battlefield history of the type and remains a functional, shootable piece with a strong bore. Its accessories add considerable value, making it more than just a basic surplus rifle. For enthusiasts of Cold War arms, FN rifles, or Middle Eastern military history, this Egyptian contract FN-49 stands as a representative and historically significant example of one of the most iconic semi-automatic rifles of its time. -R.E.