German Mauser Archives - Eisel Armory

PORTUGUESE MODEL 1937 M/937 MAUSER

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:26:52 +0000

The Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 is a classic pre-WWII military Mauser, built around the rugged and proven Mauser bolt-action system. Its full-length wood stock and traditional military profile give it the unmistakable look of a European service rifle from the era.

Portugal adopted the M/937 during the tense years leading up to World War II. These rifles were produced in Germany for Portuguese service and are closely related to the German Mauser 98-pattern rifles of the period. Today, surviving examples offer collectors an interesting connection between Portuguese military history and Germany’s renowned Mauser manufacturing tradition.

1937 Portuguese Mauser — A Crest That Tells the Story

This close-up highlights the beautifully marked receiver of a Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 Mauser, featuring the distinctive Portuguese national crest and prominent 1937 date.

The M/937 was manufactured in Germany for Portugal during the years just before World War II. Based on the proven Mauser 98 system, these rifles combined German arms manufacturing with distinctive Portuguese military markings—making them immediately recognizable to collectors today.

Hidden History: The German Proof Marks on Portugal’s M/937

This close-up reveals several small but historically significant German inspection/proof markings on the receiver of the Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 Mauser.

Portugal’s M/937 rifles were manufactured in Germany under contract, and surviving examples can retain German factory and inspection markings alongside their Portuguese identity. Details like these help document the rifle’s manufacturing history and are especially interesting on pre-WWII contract Mausers.

More Than Wood: The Marks Beneath the M/937

This close-up shows additional inspection and acceptance markings stamped directly into the stock of the Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 Mauser.

Military rifles were inspected at multiple stages before entering service, and markings can appear on both their metal components and wooden stocks. On surviving M/937 rifles, these small stamps add another layer to the story of their German manufacture and Portuguese military service.

Precision by the Numbers: The M/937 Rear Sight

This close-up highlights the distinctive tangent rear sight of the Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 Mauser, with its clearly numbered range graduations and sliding sight adjustment.

The M/937 followed the military Mauser tradition of providing soldiers with an adjustable rear sight for firing at different distances. Its design reflects the long-range military doctrine common to European service rifles during the years leading into World War II.

Built for the Field: The M/937 Front Sight

This close-up highlights the hooded front sight assembly of the Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 Mauser, showing the rugged military construction designed to protect the sight during service.

The M/937 was built by Mauser-Werke in Germany for Portugal and incorporated features associated with contemporary Mauser military rifles. The protected front sight was practical for a service rifle expected to endure rough handling and field conditions.

A Closer Look at the M/937’s Muzzle Hardware

This close-up shows the front sight protector, muzzle area, and cleaning rod of the Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 Mauser—small details that complete the rifle’s distinctive military configuration.

Manufactured by Mauser-Werke at Oberndorf for Portugal, the M/937 incorporated rugged features intended for military service. Surviving hardware such as the sight assembly and cleaning rod adds to the historical completeness and character of an original example.

At the Muzzle: A Close Look at the Portuguese M/937

This detailed view highlights the muzzle, protected front sight, and cleaning rod of the Portuguese Model 1937 M/937 Mauser. The visible wear gives the rifle the unmistakable character of a vintage military arm.

Built by Mauser-Werke at Oberndorf for Portugal, the M/937 combined the proven Mauser 98 action with features specified for Portuguese military service. Details at the muzzle help distinguish its original military configuration and illustrate the rugged construction expected of a 1930s service rifle.

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The post PORTUGUESE MODEL 1937 M/937 MAUSER appeared first on Eisel Armory.

Hot Items, Hot Summer: Military Collectibles | July 27–August 2, 2026

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 09:59:00 +0000

Built for the Peaks: 1940 German G.33/40 Mountain Carbine

Very good condition WWII German G.33/40 Mauser Mountain Carbine in 8mm Mauser (7.92 x 57) caliber. Manufactured under German occupation in Czechoslovakia and has the BRNO factory “945” code on the receiver ring and dated 1940. Rifle is NOT import marked and has all matching serial numbers. Metal finish is original blue showing some normal wear. Floorplate and triggerguard have some light pitting. Bore is very good and bright with strong rifling. Stock has been lightly buffed and shows some normal handling marks. Forend has an arsenal repair patch. Handguard has a few hairline cracks. Underside of buttstock has a matching serial number. Right side buttstock and undersides of wrist and forend have Waffenamts. Complete with correct original front sight hood and nonmatching numbered cleaning rod. A nice WWII German G33/40 Mauser Mountain Carbine with matching numbers.

Manufactured in occupied Czechoslovakia by Waffenfabrik Brünn, the G.33/40 was a compact Mauser-pattern carbine developed primarily for Germany’s elite Gebirgsjäger mountain troops. This early 1940 example bears the scarce “945” factory code used before production changed to “dot” in 1941. Shorter and lighter than the standard K98k, the G.33/40 featured a reinforced steel buttplate and protective stock plate for demanding mountain service. Production lasted only from 1940 through 1942, making matching examples especially desirable among WWII collectors.

Click the link to explore this scarce matching mountain Mauser!

Icon of the Trenches: Original 1917 German Stick Grenade

Very good condition original WWI Imperial German Model 1917 stick grenade. Inert, safe and legal to own. Head has original paint and markings showing some normal wear. Wooden handle has original finish and shows some normal handling marks. Good markings, dated 1917. The cap is an incorrect M24 replacement. The bead and string are missing. A nice WWI German stick grenade for your collection.

Introduced during the final years of World War I, the Model 1917 Stielhandgranate became one of Imperial Germany’s most recognizable battlefield designs. Its hollow wooden handle housed a pull-cord friction igniter, while the metal base cap protected the cord until needed. Designed primarily as a blast grenade, it was especially effective during close-range fighting in trenches, bunkers, and fortified positions. This original example is dated 1917—a remarkable survivor from the Great War. Historical overview

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Made in Britain, Built for Belgium: Matching WWI Model 1889 Mauser

Very good condition WWI Belgian Model 1880 Mauser Rifle in 7.65 x 53mm caliber that has faint Fabrique Nationale manufacturer markings on the receiver ring along with Birmingham markings and was assembled in England after the Germans captured Fabrique Nationale. Rifle is NOT import marked and has all matching serial numbers. Metal finish is original blue showing some wear. Bore is good, mostly bright, with strong rifling and a little oxidation. Stock has been lightly buffed and shows some normal handling marks. Underside of forend has a long repaired crack. Left side of stock has a matching serial number below the receiver. Complete with a reproduction cleaning rod. A rare Birmingham marked Belgian M1889 Mauser Rifle with matching numbers that will make a fine addition to a collection.

Belgium adopted the Model 1889 as one of the earliest military rifles designed around smokeless powder and charger loading. After German forces overran Belgium’s arms-producing region during World War I, the Belgian government arranged for additional rifles to be manufactured in Birmingham, England. Chambered in 7.65×53mm, the Model 1889 is easily recognized by its distinctive steel barrel jacket and exposed magazine. This Birmingham-marked, matching example represents Belgium’s determination to keep its army equipped while fighting from exile.

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Imperial Cavalry Classic: Matching 1892 German Kar 88 Carbine

Good condition antique Imperial German Kar 88 Commission Carbine in 8mm Mauser caliber that was manufactured by V.C. Schilling Suhl in 1892, as marked on the receiver. Gun is NOT import marked and has all matching serial numbers. This gun was purportedly sent to Mexico and was the personal rifle of a general, and was allegedly bought from a Mexican family in Fredericksburg, Texas. Gunit is unit marked “10.T.B.2.90.” on the left side of the nosecap for a Field Bakery Column of a Service Corps Battalion. Metal finish is reblued. Bore is good with strong rifling and a little oxidation. Stock has been refinished and shows some normal handling marks. Left side of stock is stamped “GRAL. R.V.” below the receiver. Right side buttstock and underside of wrist have Imperial German proof mark cartouches. A hard to find Kar 88 Carbine with matching numbers that will make a fine addition to a collection.

Manufactured by V.C. Schilling in Suhl in 1892, the Karabiner 88 was the compact cavalry version of Germany’s Model 1888 Commission Rifle. Developed during the transition from black powder to modern smokeless ammunition, it featured a distinctive spoon-shaped bolt handle, full-length stock, and clip-loading magazine system. Its lightweight, streamlined profile allowed mounted troops to carry it securely in a cavalry scabbard. This matching example is an impressive survivor from Imperial Germany’s early smokeless-powder era.

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Small Part, Big History: WWII Walther PPK Finger-Rest Magazine

Excellent condition original WWII German Walther PPK pistol magazine that has the desirable plastic finger rest. Nice original blue finish showing very little wear. Nice Walther banner trademark on the left side along with model designation and caliber. Mechanically functions fine. Nice Walther PPK mag.

Introduced in 1931, the compact Walther PPK became a favored sidearm among German police, military personnel, and government officials during World War II. Because the pistol’s shortened grip offered limited space for the shooter’s hand, magazines were produced with an extended finger rest to improve comfort and control without increasing ammunition capacity. Original wartime accessories like this magazine are important finishing pieces for period PPK collections

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A Mexican Mauser with a Hidden Message: Model 1936 Banda Pentatlón Rifle

Very good condition Mexican Model 1936 Mauser Rifle in 7mm Mauser (7 x 57) caliber that has a nice 1941 dated Mexican eagle crest on the receiver ring. Rifle comes with an interesting two-piece hand written note that was found in the butt trap, and a translation of the note from the previous owner. The note is essentially an encouragement from one soldier to another. Rifle has a brass plate under the buttstock that is marked “BANDA PENTATHLON” and “14”. Rifle is import marked on the barrel and has nonmatching numbers. Bolt is an unusual straight handle type (most M1936 rifles have bent handles). Metal finish is original blue showing some normal wear. Bore is very good and bright with strong rifling. Stock has original finish and shows some normal handling marks. Complete with cleaning rod that appears to be a replacement. An interesting and hard to find Mexican Model 1936 Mauser Rifle that will make a fine addition to a collection.

Manufactured by Mexico’s Fábrica Nacional de Armas, the Model 1936 combined the proven Mauser 98 action with several features inspired by the American M1903 Springfield. Approximately 50,000 were produced between 1936 and 1947, primarily in 7×57mm for the Mexican military and federal police. This example displays a handsome Mexican crest and distinctive “Banda Pentatlón” marking—but its most fascinating detail is the personal note discovered inside the stock’s butt trap, adding an intriguing human connection to its history

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Trench-Gun Looks, Browning Roots: Wards Western Field Model 30

Very good condition Wards Westernfield Model 30-SB562A pump action 12 gauge shotgun that was a Stevens Model 520-30 made for Mongomery Ward. This interesting gun was converted to a WWII US military trench gun configuration and I believe this was NOT done while in service, instead being done postwar as a clone. Receiver has “U.S.”, “P”, and “flaming bomb” markings. Barrel also has “P” markings. I believe these were later added. The Stevens “S” marked heat shield/bayonet lug appears to be original. Barrel is cut for its screws, but has an extra hole where a sight bead was. Metal finish is original blue showing some normal wear. 20” barrel has a very good bright bore. Stock has original finish and shows some normal handling marks. Has an added rubber recoil pad. A classic trench gun that will make a nice addition to a collection.

Sold by Montgomery Ward under its Western Field brand, the Model 30-SB562A was based on the rugged Stevens Model 520-series pump action designed by John Moses Browning. Its distinctive “humpback” receiver and exposed-hammer appearance closely resemble the Stevens military shotguns produced for American service during World War II. This example is presented in trench-gun style; however, authentic military-issued guns normally carry specific U.S. martial proofs and ordnance markings. Stevens 520/620 history

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Captured Twice: A 1916 DWM Gewehr 98 with Polish and WWII German Marks

Very good condition WWI German GEW 98 Mauser Rifle in 8mm Mauser (7.92 x 57) caliber that was manufactured by DWM Berlin in 1916, as marked on the receiver. Rifle was reissued to Poland after the war and has the Polish eagle and Radom Arsenal “FB triangle” markings on the receiver. Rifle was captured and reissued by the Germans during WWII and has firing proof eagles on the receiver and barrel. Rifle was updated to GEW 98M configuration, with a tangent rear sight installed. Rifle is NOT import marked and has all matching serial numbers except the follower, rear sight slider, bolt, bands, and buttplate. Metal finish is WWII German arsenal reblue showing some normal wear. Bore is very good and bright with strong rifling and a few pits. Stock has been arsenal refinished and shows some wear and handling marks. Underside of buttstock has a faint matching serial number. Complete with correct original cleaning rod. An interesting GEW 98M Mauser Rifle with a long history!

Manufactured by DWM Berlin in 1916, this Gewehr 98 began its service during World War I with Imperial Germany. After the war, it entered Polish possession and received Polish markings—one of many German rifles acquired by Poland for its newly organized armed forces. Its journey apparently came full circle during World War II when it was recaptured and inspected by Germany, as indicated by its later eagle firing proofs. Bearing evidence from two wars and two national arsenals, this rifle is a remarkable record of Europe’s turbulent military history.

Bid now and add this well-traveled piece of military history to your collection!

Wings of War: Original WWII Luftwaffe M40 Single-Decal Helmet

Very good condition original WWII German M40 helmet. Shell has nice original Luftwaffe blue paint. Left side has a Luftwaffe eagle decal that is a replacement and may not be original. Shell has no dents. Maker marked “Q66” under the left ear for manufacture by Quist in size 66. Complete with original leather liner that is pliable with some wear. Chinstrap is absent. A good example for your collection.

Introduced in 1940, the M40 Stahlhelm simplified the earlier M35 design by stamping its ventilation holes directly into the steel shell while retaining the smooth rolled rim. Luftwaffe helmets typically received a blue-gray finish and the branch’s eagle decal on the left side. As wartime production accelerated, the national shield was discontinued, creating the familiar single-decal configuration represented by this original survivor. M40 helmet overview

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The post Hot Items, Hot Summer: Military Collectibles | July 27–August 2, 2026 appeared first on Eisel Armory.