Spanish Mauser, 1893

Yesterday, (May 2nd), bought an old Mauser in an antique store. After doing some research, I discovered it's a spanish mauser, model 1893. Specifically the side says: Mauser modello 1893. Underneath it states Oberndorf 1893.

After doing a search on google, I discovered this entry:http://books.google.com/books?id=KlReVu0HziIC&pg=PA437& lpg=PA437&dq=mauser+modello+1893+oberndorf&source=bl& ots=viNCCxJgt5&sig=fq4EVnvoUSexxwZAV4S-30DEw0E&hl=en& ei=7cj_SampBp2EtAPK3dj3BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result& ct=result&resnum=5 it does in fact have the rings of saturn in a 12 - 6 position. The action is smooth, the only thing that appears to have been replaced is the actual bolt, (it's bright and not dull). Aside from that the only thing that seems out of place is the flat nose cap. I will try to find some time and upload a picture, in the interim, these images below can illustrate what i've got:

In this page, my rifle looks identical, except that the rear sling is a rectangle, and it has a semi-pistol grip. http://www.gunsworld.com/spain/95carb.html


This page gives some close up pictures, (albeit rusty), of what looks like mine, the nose cap is decidedly different as well. The coat of arms is the same as on mine, (has been painted? over), but is still visible. Mine says Oberndorf, (place of manufacture, not berlin). http://www.surplusrifleforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=31& p=551099

nice find ,,these are nice old rifles.. ..hopefully yours is still in the original configuration with the saddle ring,,there were bolt changes.. yours should have a 93 bolt which differs only in a gas escape hole in the bottom of the bolt and a flat bottom ,,the later model ommited the flat and gas escape hole which was ommited because it was extra machining and it was found that it was not nesssary for proper feeding,,the calvary version has the full lenght stock and is more desirable than the short rifle and was made in more limited numbers than the short rifles..serial numbers should match on receiver,stock and bolt handle and floorplate..a german built model will have a little more value than the spanish models,there were 2 models of the carbines made ,,they were the 1892 and 1895 and 1 difference will be the rear site graduations ,,the 92 rear site will be graduated to 1200m and the 95 is graduated to 1400m,,the 95 will also have a sling bar on the left side of the buttstock along with the sling ring and bar under the wrist..the intresting part of your rifle is the orbendorf markings,,my refrence books list the carbines as being made only at the oveida and lowe arsenals,,oberndorf is only shown as making 1892 rifles and a 1891 trials rifle chambered for the 7.65x53 cartridge,,but many times rifles and carbines may have been built with remaining actions from arsenals who built rifles untill supply ran out and the changeover to the different arsenals was complete,,in any event your carbine is still a nice find and many of the spanish rifles and carbines will be found with mismatched serial numbered bolts..it will detract a little from the value but not much if the rest is correct..that said i'd say your carbine is worth in the 300-500 price range if in original configuration and not cut down or altered ,,mabey a little more to a spanish collector with the different arsensl markings,,before you fire it i would definatly make sure of the caliber though..a 7mm mauser bullet should be a snug fit in the muzzel..whereas if it's a 7.65x53 the 7mm round should be sloppy in the muzzel,,if in doubt have it checked by a gunsmith before fireing!because a 7mm will chamber in a 7.65x53 rifle but will be dangerous and possibly could damage the gun and or yourself!!!!
bigcurt