sounds plausible, but there must be some explanation for the Mauser dealer network there, and I think there must have been a demand for high quality sporting rifles. We know that Winchester, Remington and others made rifles in 7.65 caliber for S. American delivery (although I haven't seen any numbers on that either - just mention of it in the various reference books).

My guess is that a fair number of rifles were imported - perhaps 5% of total production. Since the place has been politically turbulent, many of the guns may have been confiscated, destroyed, or seized by various militaries over the years.

I will continue to follow up on this and post anything I find. In the meantime, if anyone can name a S. American firearms auction house, that would be a good start.