[Bodiddly]

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Hi, New to the Gunboards.
Trying to find any information on this Mauser, has FN crest with Mod 24 L on top.
Left side has a sideways B a half inch before serial number then FAB.NAT.D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE.
The bolt knob appears to have a crest with a dragon and sunrays below it. Then two sets of numbers with the second set having a line thru it, it doesnt match the serial number.
I haven't taken it apart but see no other markings.
Any info would be a huge help..
Thanks, Brian

 

[pwcosol]

Offhand, I would say you have a FN Mod 24 made for Lithuania. I had a similar rifle years ago with receiver marked the same way. It exhibited reworking by the Germans. The side sling bar had been removed & plugged with a wooden dowel, as typically seen on German reworked Czech Vz24 rifles. You have me at a disadvantage on the bolt knob markings. BTW, your attachments turn up as "invalid" and are not viewable.

 

[Bodiddly]

Thank pwcosol, think I figured out the pictures.
Do you know the caliber ? The side sling bars are still there, the mounts anyway.
I dont believe the bolt to be original to the rifle, any idea on year ? I havent found any information on this anywhere..

 

[mauserdad]

Should be 8mm Mauser.I think they were produced in the 1930's. HTH. Ed

 

[TMann]

+1 on pwcosol's analaysis. It does seem to be a Lithuanian contract between 1935 and 1940. You got me too on the bolt knob. But Im sure that John Wall or one of the other "O.T.G. Mauser" specialist can clarify that for you. Nice rifle.

 

[John Wall]

Hi Bodiddly,
I agree, definitely a Lithuanian contract Mauser, one of about 75,000 or so made in Liege, Belgium for the Lithuanian government in the 1930's. Very few have found their way to the west after the Soviet occupation. All that I have seen which have a known history were said to be GI souvenirs from the WW II ETO. Each of these rifle was made in Belgium but to the design of the Czechoslovakian Vz.24 Mauser short rifle. As Tom noted, there should all be 7.92 m/m Mauser (a.k.a. 8 m/m or 8x57 m/m Mauser). The FN logo with "MOD 24L" is one of three known receiver crests produced for Lithuania.

If you install a Vz.24 lower band and a Vz.24 handguard, you can easily restore the broken and missing parts.

Can you post close-up pictures of the bolt handle markings and the receiver proof marks?
Regards,
John

 

[Bodiddly]

Thank you mauserdad and TMann, as far as the bolt knob I'll get a second opinion, my eyes arn't what they used to be..
Is this a good mauser to have or a dime a dozen ? Should it be cleaned or left as is for value ? Does this mauser have any value ? It is missing the secondary ring, maybe with a sling attachment and a rear butplate screw and is well used. I've never shot it but intend to after a trip to the gunsmith to verify safety..
It was an attic find 20 years ago...

 

[Bodiddly]

Thank you John, I knew after looking through the forums you guys would have the knowledge to fill me in on the history of this mauser..
It was frustrating not finding any info on the web.... Knowledge is power.

 

[Bodiddly]

John, leaving for work, I'll try to get a bolt picture this evening..

 

[Othais]

Lucky! I've been trying to track one of these down.

 

[TMann]

Hey Bodiddly........That shoul be a name of a song. Like John Wall says there were about 75,000 made. Add to the attrition rate of those that were destroyed during the war, those that the Russians took over and those brought back by the GIs after the 2d World War. Those that are around are probably those that have been vet bringbacks. Now, subtract how many of those brought back were "sporterised" and you have a very small number that would have remained in "as issued" condition. I dont know what the rarity rating would be, but I'm sure they are at least a scarce item. As far as what to do about cleaning the exterior of the weapon, Ill leave that to those that know. Mine personally are just wiped down with a diluted solution of a mild dish detergent and water.

 

[lornedavis]

Many Lith. Mausers ended up in China. This looks like it could be one. Check all parts for inspectors stamps. Should have a stick figure that looks like a castle, three "towers" if you will. If any part has a circle with a z inside that is a Czeck VZ 24 part. Many have been rebuilt using Czeck parts. Pay particular to the butt plate and bayo lug, the stamp will not be big or readily seen.

 

[mauserdad]

I second what lornedavis said. Mine was Russian capture that went to China and then imported here. Fortunately on mine 95% of the parts are Lith. marked with the castle mark. Lith. Mausers are not common and I personally would just give it a mild cleaning and leave it alone. Here are some Pic's of the Castle mark and the receiver on mine. Enjoy it. Ed

 

[boltactionsforever]

Nice find.....YES these have great value to them....

I have a import marked example that is in very nice original shape.

Value?....north of $1,300-1,400 in it's current state....

At auction that would be a wild one--and would not shock me to see it go for over 2K depending on how many original parts it still has on it.


BAF

 

[Bodiddly]

OK,, 110 pictures later, went over the rifle with a magnifer.. Found very little but got better pictures. Found a stamp on the front site and bayo lug housing but nothing I could idenify on the butt plate.. BAF, that took me by surprise for that much value, I was thinking 3-500 if I was lucky.. Found no China or Czeck marking.. Havent been able to enjoy firearms and hunting like I used to but now back in the country, I'am a kid in a candy store..
Can't thank you guys enough for all the information, everyone has been great...
Thanks again, Brian
After closer inspection, the front site could have the China mark as well as another I found on the bottom of the range site. Once the bolt was out I found three additional 2 digit numbers, back of bolt assembly, saftey knob and safety housing.
Meant to say found two Lithuanian marks, not China..

 

[mauserdad]

A lot of rifles that came out of China had Chinese characters branded on the butt stock.

 

[Bodiddly]

Ed, its possible it has one there, one possible spot but i cant make anything out.. The markings I have found aren't anywhere near the quality of yours.

 

[geladen]

Pretty much a holy grail Mauser. Lucky you!

 

[tplan]

Pretty much a holy grail Mauser. Lucky you!

+1!

 

[mauserdad]

Bodiddly,like the Gents above said,just having one you are very fortunate. Great find on your part. Enjoy it. Ed