This rifle was made by Peter Paul and Wilhelm Mauser for Contractor Samuel Morris in Liege, Belgium. The rifle is built with a very early Mauser action on a French Musket from the 1800s. The rifle is literally the first true Mauser rifle, although the French choose to alter their 1840 and later muskets, rifles, etc. to a modified Snyder B/L. The rifle was left in the white when made and there are no markings on the metal surfaces, with the exception of "11" on the front barrel band and "10" on the middle band, and a star and perron proof on the bolt. Brass blade front sight mounted on the front barrel band and two leaf folding rear sight graduated to 600 meters. Sling swivel mounted on the middle barrel band and on the front of the trigger guard, large trigger guard, two side plates on the full walnut stock, which has a dished cheek area, with a circled "PD/L" and "237" on the left side of the buttstock and MUSEE/DE/DARTLe" and circle cartouche on the right side. This rare variation of the beginning of Mauser is identified on pages 20-22 of Mauser Bolt Rifles, Third Edition by Ludwig Olson.

Very good. The metal surfaces have the in the bright appearance with some minor pitting and signs of cleaning on the side plates. The stock is also very good with a deep 2 1/2 inch scratch on the left side of the buttstock and overall some minor dings and scratches. The action is excellent. A very unique early experimental Mauser rifle.