W+F BERN Mannlicher 1893 Cavalry Carbine - sn 7xx8
Swiss Mannlicher model 1893 Cavalry Carbine, one of 300 produced in 1904 by Waffenfabrik Bern, the second to last year before production ended, in very good condition with 93% original finish. 5/5 Bore. 2/5 Stock. Stock and handguard matching serial numbers. Bolt matching serial number. Magazine matching serial number.
Furniture is quite clean with regard to its age, however there is a non-structural crack on the right side of the handguard at the base which has not been repaired. Otherwise the furniture would be graded 4/5.
On the right side of the stock, there are moderate to heavy pressure marks around the butt. Light gouging near the rear sling mount and on the grip. Forward of the grip there is a fair gouge and several heavy pressure marks. Fair pressure marks before the rear barrel band and a heavy gouge in front of the rear barrel band, extending up to the handguard. On the left side of the stock, there are a few mild pressure marks below the comb at the butt. Between the end of the grip and the rear barrel band there are several fair and moderate pressure marks. On the underside of the stock there are a pair of mild gouges in front of the magazine plate. On the comb of the stock, near the heel is a stamp of a letter K inside a shield below a federal cross. There are a few light gouges on the top side of the handguard between the two barrel bands.
All bluing is very solid in color and consistency. While there are no apparent armory refurbishment stamps, it is certainly possible that the bluing had been refurbished, but areas that are supposed to be polished and in the white are still in the white. Being a nearly 120 year old carbine and the barrel in excellent condition, it is equally as likely that this was simply not handled much, and was very well cared for by the original owner. Receiver has light edge wear around the loading slot. Light finish wear and light patina on the right side of the rear barrel band. Mild edge wear around the front of the front barrel band. Light edge wear and light surface marks on the trigger guard and magazine.
Receiver is P stamped. It was privatized in either 1933 or 1935; the year's second digit is stamped with two numbers over each other.
Scarce example of the Model 1893 Cavalry Carbine manufactured by Waffenfabrik Bern. W+F BERN manufactured an estimated 3,500 total between 1896 and 1905.
