7/17/19 - The Geweer M. 95, also known to collectors as the Dutch Mannlicher, was the service rifle of the Armed forces of the Netherlands between 1895 and 1940 which replaced the obsolete Beaumont-Vitali M1871/88. This particular rifle is a Navy example, as evidenced by the serial having no prefix. General production began at Oesterreichische Gesellschaft Waffenfabriks in Steyr, Austria. While exceptional in quality, one of the biggest thorns in the Dutch side was the high cost of these rifles. Around 1900 the native Werkplaats voor Draagbare Wapenen in Hembrug started assembling rifles from parts shipped in from Austria, then began manufacturing parts, then in 1904 took over full production of the M.95. This greatly reduced the cost of the rifles. This particular rifle is a Steyr production, and is dated 1896 on the receiver, meaning it is an antique and no license is required! This is an exceptional, all matching example with no import mark. The rifle has matching receiver, bolt, safety, magazine, trigger housing, rear sights, barrel and barrel bands. The original blue rates at 90-95% with minor thinning and scuffs on the barrel, and a little bit of wear on the magazine. The stock is in fantastic condition, though the cartouche on the right side is somewhat faded. The handguard is sharply marked externally. The bore is strong and shiny. Just a fantastic example of a rifle that you rarely see in this condition. NOTE: Our consignor does have an original example of the rare bayonet for this model rifle, should the purchasing customer be interested at additional cost.
