Spanish Model 1943 Mauser Short Rifle Bears Coat of Arms

Question: 

Can you give me some information about this straight-handled Mauser? I bought it when I first went to college in 1969 from a military surplus dealer in Salt Lake City, Utah. I’m most interested in what information can be gleaned from the coat of arms stamped on the receiver, and the date that it was manufactured. I originally thought the date stamp behind the crest read “1944”. With the aid of younger eyes and magnification, we can only distinguish “19”, which is stamped deeply and followed by no other distinguishing number or markings. If you have the capability of enlarging my photograph, you’ll see the date starts with “19” and nothing else.

 -B.P.H. via Email

Answer: 

You have a Spanish Model 1943 Mauser Short Rifle. It was manufactured by Fabrica de Armas La Coruna and is a variant of the German K98k Mauser. Like the K98k, the 1943 is chambered in 7.92x57. These rifles were manufactured from 1943 to 1957 as a replacement for the 7mm Model 1916 Spanish Short Rifle. Your piece appears to be complete, and condition seems to be fairly decent. As you infer, there is some pitting on the Spanish crest on the receiver ring, thus portions of the date have been obscured. I’d value it in the $275 to $325 range.

-Garry James