German Gew. 1871 Mauser Rifle by Steyr

Serial #3118P, 11mm Mauser, 33 1/2" barrel with a fine, bright bore that has some mild freckling within the grooves at the muzzle. This is an 1874-dated rifle that has all matching numbers. The barrel has traces of original blue on a few of the protected areas, while the balance has a mild plum-brown patina, and the receiver and bolt have a mottled pewter gray appearance having even brown freckling throughout. The walnut stock has been nicely refinished and has some minor handling marks and blemishes, mainly on the right side of the buttstock, with a pewter gray patina on the barrel bands, and a yellow-ochre tarnish on the brass trigger guard bow. The ghost of an old rack number stamp is still visible on the left side of the buttstock: "4 /98" or "4 / 88"; and the original cleaning rod is still in place. This is a very good plus example of an Austrian-made Gew. 1871 Mauser, and would make a nice addition to any collection. Antique