Model 1904

Here we present a C&R Portuguese Model 1904/39 Bolt Action Rifle made circa 1904-05 during its two year production run. The Mauser–Vergueiro was a bolt-action rifle, designed in 1904 by José Alberto Vergueiro, an infantry officer of the Portuguese Army, and manufactured by Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken (DWM) of Germany. It was developed from the Mauser 98 rifle with the introduction of a new bolt system derived from the Gewehr 1888 and Mannlicher–Schönauer. Outside Portugal, the weapon was also known as the Portuguese Mauser. It originally used the 6.5×58mm Vergueiro, a cartridge developed specially for it.

In late 1939, after the Portuguese Army had adopted the 7.92×57mm Mauser 98k as the m/937, many of the remaining Mauser–Vergueiro rifles, as is this one, were modified to chamber the new standard cartridge. The modified rifles were called “Espingarda 8 mm m/1904-39”. This was apparently done by individual Portuguese armorers rather than as standard practice. The 8mm variant can be distinguished visually from the 6.5mm variant with the 1939 modifications including a shorter barrel, a distinctive front sight protector, and ground down rear sight base.

The overall condition is good. Original brown patina. Strong, smooth action. Bright and nicely rifled bore. This example sports a solid stock with average wear. Numbers on the bolt and receiver match. Legible markings. “CAI” import marked.