Greek Steyr Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903/14 6.5x54mm Bolt Action RIfle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: WY240915JF001
Make: State Factory ŒW.G. Austria (Steyr)
Model: Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903/14
Serial Number: 4455 B
Year of Manufacture: 1914
Caliber: 6.5x54mm Mannlicher Schoenauer
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round rotary magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver is marked with a Greek St. George mark and “1903/14”. The left side of the receiver is marked, “STEYR 1914” The right side is marked, “4455 B” All serialized parts are non-matching. There are various small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 28”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post dovetailed into a barrel sleeved base with protective wings. The rear sight is a v-notch blade attached to a sliding escalator assembly marked out to 20.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, finger grooves, nose cap with bayonet lug and stacking rod, cutout for the missing cleaning rod, barrel band, 2 sling loops, and a metal buttplate. The buttplate is covered in cleaned out pitting marks. There are compression marks, scuffs, small chips, and scratches throughout the wood. There are cracks at the back of the receiver, buttstock, and top handguard. The LOP measures 13.3” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is shallow. There is heavy erosion and moderate pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 3/10.
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 75% of its metal finish. There is light to moderate thinning throughout along with refinished over pitting marks and small spots of rust. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The bolt has moderate patina. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads show light use. The markings are mostly legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair 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.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Mannlicher-Schönauer M1903/14 was the second variation of Mannlicher-Schönauer adopted by the Greek military. The only differences introduced by the 1903/14 were the full length upper handguard and the addition of a stacking rod on the nose cap. One of the most interesting features of these rifles, as with all Mannlicher-Schönauers, is the rotary magazine. This was very uncommon and not something that was used on many other models of rifle. The M1903/14 served Greece through both world wars, though Greece was often forced to pivot to using other rifles due to losses and the low overall number in their inventory. This example was made by Steyr in Austria as part of their contract with Greece. Steyr unfortunately could not complete the contract fully as the first world war started and Breda in Italy later picked up their production. This rifle is in relatively good shape, although the bore is quite worn.
Overall, these rifles are not often seen and they represent an interesting niche in the history of firearms. This would fit into any Greek, Mannlicher-Schönauer, or WWI collection. Please see our photos. -R.E.
