I'm looking at an FN-made Belgian 1889 Mauser, serial number 57XX. Is there any way to determine how old it is and if it qualifies for antique status? I know FN started up in 1889 to make the M1889, I can't imagine it took them over 9 years to make 6000 rifles? Is this information available anywhere?
Also, the rifle in question has two barrel bands. I've seen M1889s with both one and two bands in different configurations made by different manufacturers at different times. Is there any reason or rhyme to this?
Fusil Modèle 1935 | |
---|---|
Type | Rifle |
Place of origin | Belgium |
Service history | |
In service | 1935-1960s |
Used by | Belgium Argentina Nazi Germany |
Wars | World War II |
Production history | |
Designer | Mauser |
Designed | 1889 |
Manufacturer | Fabrique Nationale Manufacture d’Armes de L’Etat |
Produced | 1935-1940 |
Variants | Model 35/46 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 4.3 kg (9.48 lb) |
Length | 1,100 mm (43 in) |
Barrel length | 600 mm (24 in) |
Cartridge | 7.65×53mm Mauser |
Caliber | 7.65mm |
Action | Bolt-action |
Muzzle velocity | 2,755 feet per second (840 m/s)[1] |
Feed system | 5 round box magazine |
Sights | Iron sights adjustable to 2,000 metres (2,200 yd) |