Loewe Argentine Mauser Model 1891 Carbine 7.65x53mm Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,056.00
LSB#: WY250111DJ076
Make: Ludwig Loewe of Berlin
Model: 1891
Serial Number: B 2491
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1896 (Loewe changed their name to DWM after 1896)
Caliber: 7.65x53mm
Action Type: Bolt action, internal 5 round magazine.
Markings: The top of the receiver has had its Argentinian crest removed. The sides of the receiver are marked, “B 2491 / MAUSER MODELO ARGENTINO 1891 / MANUFACTURA LOEWE, BERLIN” All serialized parts are matching. There are small proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 17.5”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a triangular post dovetailed to a raised block fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up V-notch ladder marked out to 14.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece wood set with a forend cap/bayonet lug & cleaning rod, barrel band w/ sling loop, straight wrist, straight comb, sling bar, and steel buttplate. There are scratches, pressure dents, and small chips throughout. There are wood pins in the forend and a large repair at the heel. The LOP is 13.1” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall this stock rates at a Very Good condition for an Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates at a 7/10 as an antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout along with light patina where the crest was ground off. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Argentine Mauser Model 1891 is a bolt-action rifle that represents one of the early and successful adoptions of the Mauser design by a South American nation. Chambered in the 7.65x53mm Mauser cartridge, this rifle was developed as part of Argentina’s efforts to modernize its military in the late 19th century. The Model 1891 was manufactured by the German company Ludwig Loewe & Company (later known as Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken, or DWM), which was a leading producer of Mauser rifles during that era. Adopted by the Argentine military in 1891, the rifle marked a significant step forward in military small arms technology. The Model 1891 featured a bolt-action mechanism with a single-column, five-round internal magazine that was fed by stripper clips. This design was a substantial improvement over the older single-shot or manually loaded rifles used by many armies at the time, allowing for quicker reloads and sustained fire during combat. The Mauser action, known for its strength and reliability, set a standard for military rifles and became a blueprint for many future bolt-action designs. The 7.65x53mm Mauser cartridge, sometimes referred to as the 7.65 Argentine or 7.65 Belgian Mauser, was an intermediate-power cartridge compared to the later full-power rounds like the 8mm Mauser or .30-06 Springfield. It delivered good performance for its time, offering a balance of range, accuracy, and stopping power. The Model 1891 rifle was equipped with a long barrel, which helped maximize the velocity and accuracy of the 7.65mm cartridge, making it effective for both infantry use and long-range engagements. The Model 1891 was used extensively by the Argentine military and remained in service for several decades. Its ruggedness and reliability made it well-suited to the varied environments of Argentina, from the Andes mountains to the pampas plains. The rifle’s success also helped solidify Argentina’s relationship with Mauser and German arms manufacturers, leading to further collaboration on subsequent rifle models, such as the Model 1909, which was an improved version of the Mauser design.
Overall, the Argentine Mauser Model 1891 in 7.65x53mm Mauser is a historically significant bolt-action rifle that played a crucial role in modernizing Argentina’s military. Manufactured in Germany, the rifle showcased the reliable Mauser action and was chambered in a cartridge that provided solid performance for its time. The Model 1891’s adoption marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between Argentina and Mauser, and the rifle remains a notable example of 19th-century military small arms development. -R.E.
