Otto Bock Berlin Model Mannlicher Mauser 9.3x62mm 22″ Bolt Action Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $3350

LSB# 231011JX001

Make: Otto Bock, Berlin

Model: Mauser Sporting Rifle

Serial Number: 22193

Year of Manufacture: 1905-1926

Caliber: 9.3x62mm Mauser

Action Type: Bolt Action with Internal Magazine

Barrel Length: 22″ Transitional Barrel, the chamber end is octagonal and the barrel transitions into round at the front. The barrel has a full-length rib.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed parallel to the bore into a ramped base. The front sight used to have a bead but it is missing. The rear sight is a two-position sight with a fixed base with a small “U” notch and a taller folding leaf with a “U” notch. The rear sight is dovetailed into the barrel. The barrel rib has a line of wavy serrations for glare reduction. The top of the receiver is installed with two-piece QD bases and rings holding an Oigee Berlin LUXOR 4x scope. The scope has some scattered areas of finsih wear, little nicks and scratches, and areas of light oxidation. The scope has a German No. 1 reticle and the glass is relatively clear with a slight bit of haze. The scope rates in Very Good condition. The rings have some play in the bases, enough to rattle when shook. The rings are view-thru rings that allow for the use of the iron sights.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a Mannlicher stock with a schnabel tip, double schnabel, checkered pistol grip, horn grip cap, horn nosecap, straight comb, cheekpiece, and serrated horn buttplate. There are sling swivels front and rear. There is a thin crack at the top tang. There are some scattered compressions, dings, nicks, and scratches. There are tiny minor losses at the toe, they are old and dark with age. There are light handling marks. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 13 1/2” and 14 1/4″ from the triggers to the horn buttplate. The plate has some scattered light wear with heavier wear on the toe. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original but portions of the bolt are replacements. The bolt sleeve, safety catch, cocking piece, and extractor collar have waffenamts and the bluing on these components has a different hue than the rest of the rifle. Where the bolt handle meets the body of the bolt is also a different shade of blue but the bolt handle has a light patina that matches the rest of the rifle. Otto Bock passed away in 1926, Otto Bock Jr. may have kept the family business alive for a brief period of time, though he later established a prosthetics firm which is still active today. It is likely that these components are replacements from a repair circa 1960s-1970s.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is deep and strong. There are some scattered areas of light erosion and a few small patches of light-to-moderate pitting. In my opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is some finish wear on the edges. There are some areas of patina, the most noticeable is on the bottom metal. There are some infrequently scattered spots of oxidation. Some areas have thinning. There are a few tiny marks in the metal. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is operational wear. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork& Accessories: Included is the previously described scope, Lee die set, and brass.

Our Assessment: This is a beautiful sporting rifle by a true artisan: Otto Bock. Otto was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and proficient taxidermist. His taxidermy was so realistic he earned awards and was a purveyor to the Royal Court. While it is thought that his purvey to the court may have been for antlers, it was certainly a marketing high point Mr. Bock highlighted frequently, the left side of the barrel is even marked purveyor to the Royal Court on this rifle. His taxidermy, studies, and writings are now reportedly preserved at the Royal College in Berlin, where he studied as a young man. He even collected eggs from German birds of prey, a collection which is now held privately and reportedly one of the most valuable in Germany. He collected the eggs himself apparently climbing many trees and scaling many mountains to get them. The Dos Equis guy may have lost his spot as the most interesting man in the world.

When one goes on a hunt, it is important to have the best equipment available, Otto was obviously a firm believer in this sentiment building some of the finest rifles the industry has seen. A true virtuoso, his talent was proudly displayed with every arm he crafted. His production of 9.3x62mm rifles is distinct and he was one of the finest builders in the industry. For a 9.3x62mm rifle, Otto was the guy, after all he is the one who invented 9.3x62mm!!! The 9.3x62mm round has proven itself in Africa and has taken lions, leopard, gemsbock, elands, wildebeests, and even water buffalo (see below). This particular Mauser by Otto Bock is set in a beautiful double schnabel stock with a checkered pistol grip, straight tcomb, cheekpiece, and horn appointments. The rifle has double set triggers and a safety switch inlaid in the left of the stock above the triggers. Maybe most impressive feature is the 22 inch barrel that begins as octagonal and transitions to round, the transition is gradual unlike other rifles that are half and half with an abrupt change. The barrel has a full length rib with serrations for glare reduction and a fine set of iron sights, but the receiver is already installed with quick detach claw mounts and fittingly a vintage German scope. The rifle has just the right amount of engraving which consists of border engraving, pinstriping, and a floral motif on the spoonhandle bolt. This is a wild array of features, having maybe one or two makes for a neat rifle, but only the best from Herr Bock!! The function of this rifle is equaled only by its beauty and this is a prime example of his craftsmanship. Add on top of that the neat factor of owning a custom rifle built by a prolific maker that is chambered for a round designed by the same man. This is a terrific rifle in all aspects and will fit right in with your collection of fine European sporting rifles. Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red