Mauser Chileno Modelo 1895, Loewe Mfg.

[Combat-wombat]

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone could shed some light on a firearm I recently inherited. I've searched on Google and in THR, and while I've been able to find a limited number of examples and some vague information, I'm still left wondering about an approximate value of this gun.

As stated in the title, the receiver is marked

Mauser Chileno Modelo 1895
Manufactura Loewe Berlin

The gun has not been sporterized, AFAIK it is still chambered in the original 7mm caliber they were produced in. All examples I've seen for sale have been of the DWM variety (apparently Loewe merged into DWM), which were produced after 1900, from what I've been able to ascertain. The stock has (what I understand to be) a Chilean import mark on the left side, towards the butt of the gun, dated 1895.

Overall, it's in very good condition, with minor storage wear one would expect in such an old military gun. The bluing is almost all intact and in good condition, aside from a pea-sized rust spot on the exterior tip of the barrel- no other rust from what I can see. The stock is in fine condition overall, with minor dings common in all milsurp rifles throughout, but no cracking whatsoever. The bore appears to be clean and in great condition.

I think it's also worth noting the serial number (all serialized parts matching throughout the gun) is low- "D xx", with X's representing a number in the teens. The few examples I've come across online have serial numbers beginning with either "A" or "B" and ending in a four digit number.

I don't have a clue what I could expect it to be worth... I've seen prices ranging from $200-600 for other examples, but as mentioned before, I haven't found any made by Loewe, only DWM. I can also take pictures, if it would help.

Any information would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[Jim K]

I don't know of any significant price difference between Loewe and DWM guns. The price range is about right, if the gun is original and in decent condition. $600 would, IMHO, be high even for a near-new one, but $300-400 would be reasonable.

(Remember that those prices and the prices in most books are retail, what you would expect to pay when buying from a dealer or individual. What you would get from a dealer is another story.)

Jim

 

[Combat-wombat]

Would there be any difference in the practical value of the DWMs versus the Loewes, if only considering that it doesn't require an FFL to transfer?

 

[Vaarok]

The DWMs are not considered antique, the Lowes are, according to the BATFE, because DWM markings started in late '98, I think.

 

[Colt46]

Sweet shooters

Not as well known as most other mausers, but a really nice addition to any collection.

 

[Ron James]

And no difference in value.

 

[renegade1alpha]

The 1895 Chilean Mausers are not unique and not necessarily a collectible item. They are however fun to shoot and have a rich history. they were made in Berlin at the Mauser factory and used by several countries including, Mexico, Argentina, and Iran. As far as value, you can still pick them up for about $200-300 depending on the shape they are in. If you have one in mint condition it will fetch a little more.

I love old military firearms so when I found an 1895 Chilean Mauser at Woolworths (at a mall in So. California of all places!) in 1986, I picked it up immediately for the tidy sum of $69.00! As it turns out all the serial numbers matched and with the exception of a few dings and dents in the stock and some bluing wear, the gun was in fantastic shape. The bore was bright and had no pits but it was missing the cleaning rod.

Some of the Chilean Mausers had the crossed hammer or pick markings on them. This was because some of them actually made their way to South Africa during the Boer War to be used in the mines for "mine security". As we all know a lot of them made their way into the hands of the Boer rebels and were used with devestating effect on the British soldiers there. Some were converted to 7.62 NATO later on, but its not prudent to do it to yours if you are thinking of it. These conversions basically consisted of a sleeve being soldered into the chamber and then re rifling the bore.

I love mine and will keep it in its original condition. Its a beautiful piece of history and fun to shoot. Any commercial store bought 7x57 ammo will work fine just as long as you don't try to reload any magnum loads or go over factory pressures.

Those rifles are a testament to how real soldiers fought. Can you imagine carrying that thing all day?