3/29/24 - This is a beautiful example of a Ludwig Loewe Spanish Mauser Model 1893 from 1896. The 1893 Mauser was used by the Spanish Army in Cuba against US and Cuban insurrectionist forces and in the Philippines against the Philippine Revolutionary Army and US forces during the Spanish–American War in 1898. It gained a deadly reputation particularly from the Battle of San Juan Hill, where only 750 Spanish regulars significantly delayed the advance of 8,500 US troops armed with a mix of outclassed .30–40 Krag–Jørgensen bolt-action rifles and older single-shot, breech-loading Trapdoor Springfield rifles, inflicting 1,400 American casualties. The use of smokeless powder gave the Spanish a major advantage over the single-shot, black powder Springfield that was issued to many United States troops. This one is completely matching, including the stock and cleaning rod. The metal parts have retained nearly all of their original finish, just some very light freckling along the barrel and on the floor plate. A couple of very light scratches on the floor plate as well. Excellent wood. The bore has very good rifling with some minor fouling in the grooves. Comes with a leather sling.
