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Wow, hardly a single blemish, pit mark on its anywhere. Amazing smooth like a super models thigh!

What is the calibre? I can guess but ...

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Just visible (and upside down) on Paradox' photo #2 is the stamp, '6.5 M/M', consistent with the 6.5X54 used in the Mannlicher Schoenauer M1900 and M1903 as well as the Y1903 through 1930 'Greek' military MS.

The early MS sporting rifle, carbine, and takedown models corresponded to the MS proprietary cartridges for which they were chambered.

M1903 (also M1900 and 'Greek') - 6.5X54
M1905 - 9X56
M1908 - 8X56
M1910 - 9.5X57 - known to British trade as .375 Nitro Express Rimless

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I suspect that the stock is not a factory original but a replacement, possibly by the firm of John Dickson & Son. I'm not aware of any factory stocks with an ebony or other wood fore end but that doesn't mean it wasn't so. Not being an original stock could very well explain why no butt trap with pockets for a sectional cleaning rod and two cartridges. I also don't think the express sight are factory original.

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Indeed, British gunmakers did customize and 'have their way' with some M1900. They were essentially prototypes to begin with and and Paradox's is a very low numbered example.

Here's a Gibbs M1900 with a takedown stock of a very different system than that of the Steyr built sporters:




The 'factory' version as used on M1903, M1905, M1908, M1910:




Notice the "Horn cap at the muzzle of sporter type" available from the options list. By 1939 (date of these Stoeger catalog images) there were also 'three leaf express sights' available, at least on the 'High Velocity' (A.K.A. M1925). Paradox's stock does appear different from the 'factory' MS stock of the M1903 through M1910, though.






What I've never seen before is this, which amounts to Osterr. Waffenfabr. Ges-Steyr in English.




That's quite a find, and may lead me to suspect that the action was originally made for a sales sample to be 'shopped' to Britain or the United States in effort to acquire a military contract. That is what M1900s were all about and did result in the Y1903 through 1930 'Greek' models.

Could this be an 'American Eagle Luger' of MS rifles? It would be interesting to know when Dickson & Son did their work on it and for whom.

I did just find a reference from the Great Britain Patent Office Commissioner of Patents' Journal of 1879 where a patent was granted to the "Austrian Small - arms Manufactory, of Steyr [sic]". Perhaps this action was from a rifle submitted for a later British patent?

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Roth- youve picked the most unusual feature on the rifle...that of the English translation on the left wall....thank you for your research here.

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Kuduae

The red dot was added as a requirement for import into Australia this earlier this year....sorry that is a bit of a Red Herring.

Thanks Mike, yes you are correct, the Trade bulit and supplied to anyone......however some oare of much better quality than others.

The only unanswered question is that of the English translation. We continue to learn.

Best
Eric

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Yes some manly gun importers have been known to carry bright red nail polish with them to the customs office. And a hammer and punch, to make an indentation for the nail polish.

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I was fortunate to find this gem in recent times.
A high end Model early Model 1900 #234.

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The only unanswered question is that of the English translation. We continue to learn.

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