German 1871 Carbine Steyr 11x60R Mauser Bolt Action Rifle 1877 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1853
LSB#: 210918MW76
Make: Österreichische Waffenfabrik Gesellschaf, Steyr of Austria. A contract rifle for Germany.
Model: 1871 Carbine (M71 Carbine)
Serial Number: 1339
Year of Manufacture: 1877
Caliber: 11x60R (11x60mm Rimmed Black Powder)
Action Type: Single Shot Bolt Action
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the barrel shank is marked “OESTERR.WAFFFB.GES” which is a Steyr marking. The left side of the barrel shank is marked “crown / F.W.”, “11”, and with 2 crowned letters”. The right side of the barrel shank is marked with 6 “crowned letters”. The right side of the receiver is marked “1876”, “1877” (small), and with 4 “crowned letters”. The left side of the receiver is marked “ R. Mod. 71.”. The left side of the receiver, left side of the barrel shank, left side of the safety lever, underside of the sight ladder, rear of the flip up sight blade, top front of the bolt body, bolt handle, cocking indicator, barrel band, the face of the nosecap, sling loop base, and screws are marked with the serial number or the last 2 digits of the serial number. The buttplate and one of the screws are marked with numbers that do not correlate to the serial number. The buttplate is also marked with a Unit number, “3.G.J.5.106.”. Most of the metal parts are marked with “crowned letters”. The top of the grip is marked with a partial stamping.
Barrel Length: Approximately 20 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set between 2 protective ears. The rear sight is a flip up sight ladder. In the down position there is one stationary “V” notched blade and one “V” notched blade that rotates up to engage farther distances. When flipped up the sight ladder uses a sliding “V” notched blade. There is a “V” notch at the top of the ladder. The ladder is marked from “4-11”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The hardwood Mannlicher stock has a straight grip, barrel band with sling ring, nose cap with sight wings, sling loop under the butt, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate shows small scratches and surface erosion. The nosecap & barrel band have been polished clean of their blue finish. They show small scratches and light surface erosion. The wood shows several scrapes, scratches & compression marks. Some have damaged small areas of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 ½ 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 Barrel; Receiver “In the White”
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: The rifle’s barrel has been polished clean of its blue finish. The meal shows scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The barrel shows small spots of surface erosion at the wood line. The receiver and bolt handle shows patches of surface erosion. The screw heads show use and oxidation. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition as an antique.
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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with an unmarked brown leather sling. The sling is the correct style used for the Model 1871 Carbine but we cannot be sure if it is original. It shows scrapes, creasing, and discoloration. The buckle shows oxidation. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Rare Model 1871 Carbine was made by Steyr way back in 1877. The 1871 Carbine was adopted in 1876. This one has lots of matching parts, down to the screws. There are only a couple of parts that do not match. This Mauser looks great for a 144 year old Military Rifle. It has been polished clean but retains the markings stamped on to the metal parts. A Model 1871 Carbine is a Rare find. This one will add nicely to a Mauser collection.
For more on the Mauser Model 1871 Carbine see pages 153 to 155 of Robert Balls’ book, MAUSER Military Rifles of the World. Good luck.