Manufactured c. 1896-1897 in Germany by Ludwig, Loewe & Company under contract for the government of Chile, prior to the manufacturer markings on the receivers being changed over to the reformed Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) markings later in 1897 to the end of production. Features a dovetailed blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight (graduated from 600 to 2,000 meters on the ladder), Chilean crest retained on top of the receiver ring, along with "triangle" arsenal stamps on the rear sight base and bolt stop (indicating that the rifle was arsenal updated for use with spitzer bullets). Fitted with a smooth oiled walnut handguard and stock with "1895" dated Chilean crest stamp on the left side of the butt. Matching visible serial numbers on the receiver, bolt assembly, trigger housing, magazine floor plate, stock, and cleaning rod. Includes a "DEUTSCHE WAFFEN-and MUNITIONSFABRIKEN/KARLSRUHE" marked hang tag around the trigger guard, a hard-copy of "Mauser: Military Rifles of the World (Fourth Edition)" by Robert Ball with the rifle pictured on page 78 along with the caption "This particular specimen was never issued, and was kept in the collection of Paul Mauser.", and a February 21, 1996, dated letter from Dr. Leonard M. Goldfarb identifying the rifle by serial number as one of several rifles from the Paul Mauser Collection that he purchased from firearms dealer Al Freeland in the early 1960s. Provenance: The Paul Mauser Collection; Al Freeland; The Leonard M. Goldfarb Collection; The John Deeks Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Excellent/near new, retaining 98% plus blue finish with some limited edge wear, limited cycling wear, a few minor patches of freckling on the bolt, some dried grease in protected areas, limited minor handling evidence, and crisp markings. The stock is also excellent with attractive raised curvy grain and crisp stamps and is certainly among the best condition stocks you'll find on any Mauser military weapon. Mechanically excellent. The hanging tag is fine with some light fraying and minor staining. Overall a highly attractive example of a pre-DWM manufacture antique Chilean Contract Loewe Model 1895 Mauser rifle from The Paul Mauser Collection!