For sure... it's not a Czech factory mark. since it is an FN crested rifle, it's probably a mark that was applied there.

 

Frosty....Thanks, I hope someone has seen it before. I assumed it was FN but I never saw one and cant find it in his book which is weird.

 

I have seen this stamp on post-WW2 FN bolt rifles, at least one example was on an IOB carbine made in 1948 but probably refurbed with younger FN parts. No idea what the stamp means

 

Cleo45....Thanks for that info. This is making it more clear it probably is a FN piece. Like you said probably earlier but showing up on refurbished guns. The rest of the gun is pre-war and has all FN marked parts. I just wasn't sure about this part. but does seem to be genuine FN. Thanks again.

 

Just found that same diamond "S" mark on the sear piece and the bolt shroud of a Persian (Iranian) FN Model 24 made in 1929. So pretty sure it's an FN inspection or acceptance stamp of some sort but not so sure it is limited to post-WWII.

The above said, the same Persian FN 24 has small parts stamped "6" or "9" (can't tell which) in a diamond, indicating the parts were made by FN in 1976 or 1969, respectively. So, pretty clear the rifle has been refurbished, possibly in Iran or possibly after it came to the US (no import marks s who knows how it got here).

 

Cleo45...Thanks for that info. I was hoping for something like that. I didn't want to taint the results by telling what my gun is, but now I think I can. I have an all matching 1st contract Lithuanian 24L. Those guns were shipped around 1936. All the parts are FN marked or accepted parts (not the Lithuanian pillar markings), with the exception of the rear barrel band which is unmarked. this front barrel band had this strange mark on it. I was hoping it was a prewar FN acceptance or control mark of some sort but I couldn't find it mentioned anywhere. The fact it shows up on your Persian FN made in 29, may lead to it being something that FN used for foreign contracts. I was aware of the Diamond with a number being used very late as acceptance marks but nothing mentioned about a letter. Yours showing up on the bolt shroud would indicate its a prewar and original part.

 

Love to see some pics of your 24L, they are not very common, particularly in all-matching condition. Besides, who doesn't love Mauser Eye Candy?!

 

Cleo...I guess since you and Frosty asked, don't judge my photographic skills, I didn't have my normal setup to take pics but here are some quick ones. It appears to be the 1st contract, with all FN parts. Wall at some point mentioned even he never saw one of the offset rear barrel bands that Anthony mentions and shows in his book. He even stated he thought FN made these double sling swivel bands. I can not find any mark on the rear barrel band however, I did notice there is a brazing difference between this rear barrel band and a CZ barrel band, so I do believe when they were supplying parts, they would have made the same as CZ. But other then that band all the parts, including the internal bolt parts are all FN accepted with the square A. The only serialized parts are the receiver and bolt. I haven't had a chance yet to check the barrel but I have no doubt that will match if it is serialized. There is no serial on the stock, however there is no doubt its an FN stock, as it has a FN trigger pack and fits snugly and is that tiger striped wood as well as a thicker FN buttplate. It also has the FN sight graduated to 1900 meters. Once I get a chance to take it down I will look for a serial number and any marks on the interior of the stock as the barrel.

 

hi,Sam & congrats on an excellent find! I realize that this piece is marked... "Mod. 24". but i kinda think that it is a regular length action, same as a VZ24. The Lithuanians bought both brands, and parts that are, "interchangable".

 

Frosty, you are absolutely correct. From what I can tell, it isn't known as to why they are referred to Mod. 24's other then the Lithuanian's wanted to keep the same model number from the original VZ 24's they purchased in 1926 from CZ. Since the FN guns were to mirror the CZ rifles they just wanted to refer to all of them as a model 24. That's what I read somewhere LOL

 

Great score yeobuf, thank you for the great pics!

Good description of Lithuanian Mausers in Tony vanderlinden’s FN Mauser book. Some spares from original vz24 contract ended up on later FN Lithuanian Mausers

 

Thanks Cleo....I do have Anthony's book. Thats what made question the front H band. I couldn't find a reference to that mark anywhere in the book. The rear band, I still think is also original. I know Anthony stated they originally came with an offset band but to be honest, no one ever saw one except for the one in the book. John Wall even suggested that FN did indeed make the double sling band, but of course again no details how to tell. I can say the construction of this rear band is slightly different then a VZ 24 band. So, I do feel it's FN made, but I don't have PhD behind my name, so my observations don't count LOL