Extremely Rare Mauser Model 87 Bolt Action Carbine made for Alfred von Schlieffen by Paul Mauser.
http://www.jamesedition.com/lifestyle-co...l-mauser-638869
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Description

Mauser rifle caliber 9.5 x 60 R black powder.

The gun was presented to Count Alfred von Schleiffen by Paul Mauser in 1888 on his promotion to Major General - replacing Moltke, Waldersee's Chief of staff to become the Quartermaster General, and Lieutenant General on December 4th 1888. Schlieffen later became Chief of the Imperial German staff in 1891 and General of the German Cavalry on Jan 27th 1893. Alfred von Schleiffen was most famous for his "Schieiffen Plan"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schlieffen_Plan

"Alfred von Schleiffen's monogram or initials "AS" are factory engraved and gold inlaid on the trigger guard. The action and barrel is fully deep chisel engraved and gold inlaid, the stock is carved and inlaid. This is undoubtably one of the best and rarest examples of a Mauser rifle ever produced. The gun is in near mint original condition.

There were only a few wonderful examples of rifles like this made for various officials and members of military and royalty, at all levels. A few rifles were ordered by various groups as gifts to military officials, and in addition Paul Mauser made personal gifts, but only to people who were important to him or the firm. In addition to this rifle Paul Mauser presented other similar rifles to Kaiser Wilhelm 1 and 2 along with rifles which were given as gifts to Rulers In Turkey, Hungary and Japan.

A total of approximately 270,000 Model 87 rifles and carbines were produced. With the adoption of the new Model 1890, most of the Model 1887's were scrapped, and are scarce today. This particular unnumbered half-stocked carbine sporter has 20"octagonal barrel mounted with one standing, two folding leaf rear sight, and iron blade front, dovetailed through top flat, which is inlaid in large 7" panel in gold Germanic script "Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf a/Neckar Deutsches Reich". Model 87 action with tubular feed half magazine and typical magazine cut-off on left bridge, is fitted with gold-plated, double stage single trigger. Beautifully fiddle figured European walnut stock with right hand Bavarian cheekpiece ends in steel skeleton buttplate with 2" rectangular area of wood exposed at butt. Rifle is fitted with gold-plated sling swivels, has carved horn extension to trigger guard bow forming pistol grip, schnabeled forend tip, and secondary attachment of stock to barrel of side nail through oval relief engraved silver escutcheons. Carbine is totally embellished from muzzle to butt with varied decoration of the highest order of craftsmanship, including relief carving and ivory inlay on stock, full relief engraving, multi-colored flush gold inlay, along with full relief gold inlay and highlighting of metal surfaces. Muzzle crown is relief acanthus engraved. Barrel is inlaid with 60% coverage yellow, bronze, and white colored gold acanthus filigree with floral highlights. A three colored spraying fountain is on top flat between rear sight and makers name. Action is deeply engraved in full relief large open scrolled acanthus with inlaid gold devices and highlights and has finely stippled background. A central gold flower is on left action wall. Bolt handle and bolt stop are engraved with relief floral motif, as are all screws. Trigger plate and trigger guard have matching relief acanthus, and trigger guard bow is gold inlaid with monogram "AS" (Alfred (von) Schlieffen). Full relief carving of stock, around side panels, at grip, and extending over toe line to steel buttplate, is exceptionally well done large open scrolled acanthus with stippled background. Scrolled, shaded ivory inlay is at schnabeled forend tip, on side panels, and both sides of butt at about 50% coverage. Steel portions of buttplate continue the theme of gold highlighted full relief acanthus, wood portion with more inlaid ivory. Black buffalo horn trigger guard extension and pistol grip have delicate scrolls carved at rear extension, with gold-plated mounting screw having acorn shaped head installed behind grip. Quality of all work done on this carbine is of the highest order with exceptional detail. Drop at heel: Approx 3-1/8". Drop at comb: Approx 1-9/16". Weight: 7 lbs 13 oz. LOP: 13-3/4".

CONDITION: Excellent, as found, retaining over 80% of all its orig finishes, except gold-plating which shows some loss and flecking. Light French gray of action and bright polish of bolt has darkened to a very pleasing pewter gray, mostly from old congealed oil. Bore is excellent, bright and shiny throughout.

This is undoubtably the most highly embellished and inspired Mauser rifle ever encountered."