7/9/19 - This is a very nice example of an FN Model 1949 rifle that was part of an Egyptian military contract. This is a non-import example that comes with three sister contract examples that will be listed concurrently on the Legacy site. The FN49 was designed by the Belgian manufacturer Fabrique Nationale before WWII; however, plans to produce the semi-automatic rifle were abandoned when the Germans occupied Belgium. Many FN engineers fled to England during the war and returned to Belgium when it was liberated by the allies in 1944. With their return to Belgium these engineers revitalized their plans for what would eventually become the FN49 (also known as the SAFN short for “semi-automatic FN”). While the FN49 was high quality in its time, it saw limited production and use because it did not come into production until after WWII and it eventually had to compete with the popular HK G3 and FN FAL rifles which utilized more modern technology. The FN49 was produced for 8 primary contracts. This particular rifle was produced for the second contract which brought 37,641 FN49 rifles to Egypt in 1949. Many rifles in this contract were used in Suez Crisis in 1956. As with all Egyptian contract FN49s, this rifle is chambered for 7.92x57mm Mauser. This rifle is in very good condition, with minor patina to the receiver and barrel but no major areas of finish loss. The receiver and barrel are matching serials in Arabic numerals (see photos). Markings, including the Egyptian crest, are sharp and clear on the receiver. The stock is in excellent condition, with original stock disk present. Many of these rifles were imported by Century Arms but this does not appear to be one of those imports, as there are no import marks, and the original butt plate and disk are present. Having said that, these four examples are the first we've offered and we are not experts on this model. If any of our followers or customers are more educated on these rifles, feel free to email us with any notes on them, or to ask any necessary questions. Barrel has strong rifling with some frost throughout.
