vz24 Mauser ID

[Coronach]

EDIT: We've ID'ed it as a Guatemalan rifle. Carry on...

I found a Czech vz24 contract mauser at the local funshop. Matching parts, decent wood, nice metal, bright bore, intact crest, no visible import markings. I'm pretty sure it is a south american contract rifle, as it is chambered in 7mm and the crest looks like the written portion is in spanish. I can't remember exactly what it said, but it looked like a scroll with a plume saying something about independence being achieved in 1861.

Anyone know what county this mauser was made for? Any idea of a fair price? The bolt was jeweled, too. I imagine this was done by the previous owner, or did Brno sometimes jewel their bolts?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Olympus]

Now that one has me stumped! I'm leaning towards a Guatemalan....but I don't know. That's about as close to what you described as I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I think Olypus may be right. Is it possible that 1861 could actually be 1821? Guatamala gained independence in 1821 and the crest looks like what you are describing. http://www.guatemala.com/guatemala/index.cfm?objectID=F864AE46-C09F-22F2-19ADB60AADF060A9

 

[Float Pilot]

The bolt was jeweled by somebody else. But that can be fixed.

Bruno made all sorts of 7mm Vz24s for various south American and Central American countries throughout the 20s and 30s. Is it a short or long rifle? Is the bolt turned down or straight? You need to supply more info.

Some of the recent imports are VZ24 JC lightweight models which have no crest. Those were originally being made for the South China Army in 8mm , but when the Chinese could not pay, they were barrels to 7x57mm and sold to the revolutionaries in Sao-Paulo Brazil.. Those rifle eventually ended up being taken into the Brazilian Govt system and gained a second serial number. \\\


Since the one you are looking at has a crest, it was made as a Govt contact rifle.

Are you sure about the 1861 date?????
No South or central American country gained its independence in 1861.

Nicaragua, Peru, Honduras and Guatemala Declared independence in 1821, could that have been what you read??

 

[Coronach]

It's Guatemalean, the picture on that link is the crest on the rifle. 1861, 1821...what's 40 years?

It's a short rifle, straight bolt. I'm certain about the 7mm part, though...did Guatemala get them in 7mm or 8mm? I had thought 8...

Mike

 

[Float Pilot]

The South Americans ordered either 7x57mm or 7.65mm Mausers. Later many were converted to 7.62 NATO and some countries like Columbia ordered 30-06 caliber Mausers from FN after WWII.

 

[Olympus]

I think I might have a problem. I can't decide whether it's a good thing or bad thing that I can identify Mausers by their crest description, even when it's a partially incorrect description. Somehow I think that talent will be underrated by most.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Olympus,sorry to hear about your malady. It is chronic and there is no cure. Just treat the symptoms as they appear and you can endure until the episode passes. You have my sympathy brother.