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MAUSER RIFLES IN SOUTHERN AFRICAN
SERVICE
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The selection of the Mauser
System 93/95 by the Orange Free State (OVS) and weeks later by the South
African Republic (ZAR) in early 1896, started a long and colourful history of
military Mausers in SA. Unofficially known as the Boer
or Mod Mauser Model 1896, the arms conform strictly to the Spanish Mauser
Model 1893 pattern in shape and function. Unique markings distinguish them
as Boer rifles and carbines. Typical
markings are Mod Mauser 1896 over Ludw. Loewe & Co Berlin or Deutsche
Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken Berlin on the left side rail. The OVS received ca 7900 rifles
and the ZAR 30 000 rifles and 7 000 carbines. Serial numbers run from OVS/1 to OVS/7900 and A1 to A10 000, B1
to B10 000, 1 to 10 000 in the OVS and ZAR rifles respectively. ZAR carbines are numbered 1 to 7
000. Rifles numbered to OVS/8900 and
C1 to C4000 were ordered but due to British embargo during the war ended up
in Chile. During the Second Anglo Boer War
of 1899 to 1902 the Boer Mauser made an indelible mark on military history
and in turn many of the owners made their mark on the arms. Calligraphy in
one way or the other is seen on many Boer arms (Below is an example
showing a ZAR crest surrounded by the owner’s name and address)
After 1902 British equipment was
at the order of the day in the then new Union of South Africa, consisting of
the former Cape Colony, OVS, ZAR and Natal. With the advent of World War 1,
the Union Defence Force (UDF) was tasked to invade German South West Africa. The lack of equipment saw the
supply by the Portuguese government of 20 000 rifles and other equipment to
the UDF. The rifles conform to the
Portuguese Mauser Model of 1904 in 6,5 x 58mm. They are often marked to the UDF
either with the letters or with the Broad arrow-in-U mark. They saw service during the Rebellion of
1914 and the invasion of GSWA in 1915.
Many were given to the troops on demob as a gift, as stocks dwindled
this practice was stopped in the latter part of the conflict. Primarily due to ammunition
quality problems, they were finally decommissioned in the early 1920s. (see
the SA Portuguese Mauser Page for
the latest in ongoing research). The adversary the UDF faced in
GSWA was armed with Mauser Model 1898 rifles and carbines in 7,92 mm. Some reserve/support troops were armed
with older German arms. The Kaizerliche Schutztuppen
marked Mauser rifles are distinguished by their Lange rear sight set at 200m
minimum and the stock disk. Several
of the early M98 carbines were also used in this conflict and still surface. (see
the SA and other African Markings Page) From a collectors’ viewpoint the
Mausers of SA are delectable.
Craftsmanship of the highest standard used to produce beautifully
engineered arms epitomises them.
Their low numbers in world terms, requires us to take good care of
them for the next generation. |
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