Crosshair
Member
Title gives the summary. A few days ago I bought a 1908 Brazilian Mauser chambered for 7x57. All the serial numbers match, including the S/N on the stock, and there are no import markings. (Important) I am giving the metal parts a coating of oil tonight and I start to look at the details of the rifle. On the right side of the stock, just behind the disk in the stock I saw a marking. On closer inspection I see that it appears to be a partially obliterated Star of David inside a circle. (See photos below) It is not a hand carving, but an actual stamping into the wood. Since the rifle would not have come from the factory with it, is it possible that this is a rifle that was used during the Arab-Israeli War? The Israelis where using any rifles they could get and they would certainly not turn down a Mauser in good condition. From what I understand, the Israelis tested all the guns that they got before they passed them out to the front line troops/militia. Is this marking a proof-mark indicating that the rifle had been inspected or is my imagination in overdrive tonight?
Sorry for the poor quality photos, my digital camera has trouble taking close in shots. I will try to get better ones when I find where I put my tripod and halogen light.
This is the best shot I could get of it. That is my thumb in the left part of the photo just to give an idea of scale.
This one is not so good, but it is of another view.
Here is the whole rifle. The stamp is to the left of the painted numbers and the disk on the stock.
Any input would be helpfull.
Sorry for the poor quality photos, my digital camera has trouble taking close in shots. I will try to get better ones when I find where I put my tripod and halogen light.
This is the best shot I could get of it. That is my thumb in the left part of the photo just to give an idea of scale.
This one is not so good, but it is of another view.
Here is the whole rifle. The stamp is to the left of the painted numbers and the disk on the stock.
Any input would be helpfull.