DESCRIPTION: Very scarce German Mauser M.1871 jaeger rifle! The rifle was manufactured at the Danzig arsenal in 1883, as indicated by markings on the receiver and chamber. M.71 jaeger rifle is similar to M.71 infantry rifle, yet it is slightly shorter. The jaeger rifle has also a different style trigger guard with a finger spur. This feature is found only on the jaeger rifles. The rear sling swivel is located behind the trigger guard. The rifle has matching serial numbers, except for the barrel band, trigger guard plate and the buttstock sling swivel (the matching serial numbers are stamped on the receiver, barrel, buttplate, bolt body, bolt head, bolt cocking piece, safety lever, front sight and rear sight). All the parts of the bolt display matching serial numbers. The screw heads display matching serial numbers, except for the two trigger guard screws and one buttplate screw. All the serial numbers are original and they were not restamped. Numerous German proofs are present on metal and stock. The octagonal part of the barrel displays Prussian Crown above the name of the Danzig arsenal. Left side of the barrel displays Prussian Crown over "FW" (Frederick Wilhelm, King of Prussia). The buttplate tang displays Imperial German Military acceptance mark, "Crown over Gothic D". Steel butt plate and trigger guard. Straight bolt handle. Overall length: 48.75 inch. Barrel length: 29.5 inch. Complete with original cleaning rod. The latter displays a correct Imperial German military acceptance mark, "Crown over Gothic D". CONDITION: Low excellent. Metal has about 94% of nice, original blue finish. The balance is in white, mixed with some occasional light patina. Most of the finish wear is on the trigger guard plate. Some finish is starting to turn into brownish color (mainly on the trigger guard and barrel band). The receiver and bolt have polished steel finish, which is correct for this model. The cleaning rod has some scattered patina. No pitting. The bore is in excellent+ condition with strong and shiny rifling. Strong action. All the internal parts of the rifle are in fine condition, with no visible wear. Nice stock with some handling marks and light dings. There is a small hairline crack in the upper part of the buttstock, just behind the receiver tang (please, see pictures). The German proofs on the stock are clearly visible (Gothic letters under the crown). Nice example of difficult to find Mauser M.71 jaeger rifle! No import markings. Serial# 63XXC. Antique.
