Waffenfabrik Oberndorf Mauser

[TWBryan]

Recently was asked to clean up some old guns by the widow of an acquaintance. One of the guns is a Mauser Sporting rifle. I just started today trying to get the rust off. Markings "Waffenfabrik Oberndorf Mauser" Also a Crown over a " B". Chambered in 8mm, beautiful walnut stock with delicate forearm ending in a schnabel tip. The checkered pistol grip has a bad crack ,and there is evidence of some repair effort.
The receiver has a square top scope mount,the other square tp mount is in a dovetail on the barrel approximately one inch forward of the receiver. Serial number 143xx. So far I've figured out it is a commercial sporting rifle made by mauser ,probably between 1900 and 1920, model designation B. On the forearm is a curious device a fixture into which fold two odd flat-tipped prongs ( one to each side) . I haven't figured out what those are for,though I've come up with a few theories.
I would appreciate it if anyone can tell me anymore about this rifle,in particular what those prongs are for and whether one can purchase a similar style stock and if rings are still made for mounting on this type rifle.
I never understood before why some people rave about mauser rifle,but this piece of history has built some appreciation in me for them.

Thanks

TWBryan

 

[Jim K]

Would pictures be possible, especially of the forearm? None of my sources show a rifle with anything like you described.

Many German style sporting rifles were really military rifles sporterized in Germany, mostly after WWI. The Mauser Type A and B sporters, AFAIK, differed in the stock dimensions, mainly length of pull; the receivers were the same and were not marked as to type. The crown over a B is not a German proof mark; there is such a proof mark, but it is for revolvers and muzzle-loading pistols, so it wouldn't apply to your rifle.

I would caution on the caliber, and suggest a chamber cast before assuming anything. Even if it is 8x57, it may not be for the modern cartridge. Even after 1905, many German sporters were made for the old 8x57J ammunition. In some, 8x57JS ammunition will fit, but there is not enough room for neck expansion and pressures are very high if fired. Sporting rifles were also made in a number of other calibers, many of which are obsolete today.

Jim

 

[thatguy]

Often dating from between the wars, these were frequently produced by small shops or individual smiths by converting military actions. Some are truly works of art and almost all are decent. Will be found mostly in European calibers and sometimes in .30-06 (export model or offered in local shops to tourist customers). Values can vary wildly but given the condition you describe it likely wouldn't bring a whole lot.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't know about the prongs. We need pictures.

You can get claw scope mounts but having a set made to fit existing bases will be hideously expensive.
http://www.newenglandcustomgun.com/index.html?clawmounts.html~maindeal

This outfit says they will custom fit their rings to existing bases. But the rings are $500 a pair to start with!
http://www.clawmounts.com/services.htm

A replacement stock in the period style would also be expensive. Somebody who knows what he is doing can probably make a neat repair that will be serviceable and maintain originality.

Crown/B is given by Kennett as a single proof for completed guns made elsewhere and imported to Germany. Which is strange for a Mauser. Maybe it was assembled elsewhere and re-imported.

These fine old sporters are not as valuable as you might think and restoring them to nice appearance is expensive.

 

[TWBryan]

Thanks for all the replies I intend to work tonight to get pictures of the rifle,and find a hosting service to post them from. I'm hoping the family will consider this an heirloom and not try to make use of it.

TWBryan

 

[TWBryan]

Ok,managed to get one picture that wasn't fuzzy of the prongs,here's hoping I can post it...<a href="http://www.filelodge.com/files/hdd7/160197/DSCN0080.JPG">DSCN0080.JPG</a>

TWBryan

 

[Scoupe]

 

[Jim Watson]

Thanks for the picture of the prongs.
I haven't a clue what they are for. Maybe to stick in a tree for a steady rest shooting at a roebuck?

 

[TWBryan]

Geez I had no idea the picture was that size , I gotta see if I can do something about that....


TWBryan

 

[thatguy]

I have seen some military rifles with hooks on the stocks for linking groups of rifles into standing stacks when the troops are at rest.

 

[Jim K]

I thought I had seen about everything, but that is a new one on me. If that were a military rifle, I think it might violate some convention or other. I simply cannot imagine what it might be for.

Jim

 

[Gordon]

I have never, but notice the case hardening, not military but most of the better small German gunshops as described did this to all the Mauser loose parts, they were good at it. I too think it was a local designed shooting aid.