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I agree it's a Mauser, but could be either a 98 or a 96. Can't see the action well enough to say which one. My guess it, as rcmodel said, that it's a prop provided by the photographer, which is highly likely. If the photo was taken in france, there's a good chance it's a 98 rather than a 96, as the 98 is what the Germans were carrying and what was likely to be captured by the French and put into circulation in the civilian population.
GEW 98. It is mostly like a prop, along with the stage background. Look at how long the rifle is in relation to the Doughboy. I bet he was around 5’ 7” tall.
I have not seen too many pictures of WWI Doughboys with a stage background. Most of the pictures I have seen were of Soldiers direct out of boot, taken before they were in theater. I don’t see any over seas stripes on the guys left sleeve.
Since he is an American you can figure 1917-1919. We had occupation troops, but almost all our troops were out of Europe before 1920.
I think it is most likely a prop provided by the studio. It makes sense, if you think about it. Any soldier who wanted a commercial portrait wouldn't have their own issue rifle with them when they were "out on the town," so the studio would have rifles to use as props. The fact that it's a German rifle makes sense as well. Where would a French photographer get a US Springfield 1903, for instance, or even a French Lebel as that was the current French issue piece. But, a captured German rifle, bought locally, could be easily acquired, especially if it was after the Armistance.
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