Lot 1197

Truly Stunning Master Engraved Mauser Model 1887 Rifle

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Truly Stunning Master Engraved Mauser Model 1887 Rifle

Estimate: $140,000 - $225,000

Starting Bid: $120,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Truly Stunning, Exhibition Quality Factory Relief Chiseled, Master Engraved, and Precious Metal Inlaid Mauser Model 1887 Bolt Action Rifle with Gold Inlaid "AS" Monogram Attributed to German General Alfred von Schlieffen This magnificent rifle was completed c. 1887-1888 and ranks among the most elaborately decorated bolt action rifle of the 19th century. It clearly demonstrates the incredible skills of Mauser's artisans. The phrase "not all art is framed" immediately comes to mind when one sees this stunning rifle which is unlike any other rifle from this era the writer has seen. The embellishment hearkens back to the German wheellock masterpieces of the 17th century with its extensive engraving, chiseling, and inlays and harnesses the firepower of the latest Mauser repeating bolt action. This rifle would have been right at home among the artistic arms exhibited at the late 19th century's many World's Fairs and trade expositions and pairs beautifully with the brace of pistols by Adolph Frohn in the following lot. The embellishment of both the rifle and the pistols is similar to the work on an Immann Meffert shotgun engraved by Hugo Kolb of Suhl. The rifle is chambered in 9.5x60mmR and features the distinctive fluted firing pin nut found on the Ottoman Empire's 1887 contract rifles. The Ottoman contract was the largest Mauser had received up to that point, 500,000 rifles and 50,000 carbines. Mauser's work was supported by Sultan Abdul Hamid II and Prussian General Field Marshal Colmar Freiherr von der Goltz. The Ottoman Empire notably also sought German assistance to better prepare for potential war with Russia. Though the military arms were produced in large numbers, extravagant deluxe presentation Mauser rifles from this period are extremely rare. In addition to being produced for international exhibitions, deluxe arms like this one were typically made as important presentation pieces to leading figures, including military officials who could influence lucrative arms contracts. This rifle was purchased by a U.S. Air Force officer from an official while stationed in Turkey during the mid-1950s. It was subsequently handed down through the officer's family. When offered at auction in 2012, it was attributed as made for Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 1876-1909. However, the rifle was also previously attributed as made for Prussian General Graf Alfred von Schlieffen, one of the most influential military minds in German history. The latter is far more likely given the classical Germanic embellishment and the use of the European style "AS" monogram on the trigger guard bow rather than a Tughra in Arabic calligraphy as one would expect for a presentation to an Ottoman leader. Von Schlieffen was notably promoted to lieutenant general on December 4, 1888, the same year that Mauser's rifles were made obsolete by the introduction of the French Lebel rifle leading to the adoption of the Gewehr 1888. Von Schlieffen replaced Alfred von Waldersee as chief of the Great General Staff in 1891. His famous Schlieffen Plan, which called for a German invasion of France by crossing through the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium to defeat the French before defeating the Russians, served as the basis of German war planning and action in World War I. The rifle was built with a blued steel octagonal barrel featuring a dovetailed blade fore sight and a three-leaf (one standing, two folding) rear sight on the top flat. The barrel displays breathtaking embellishment consisting of extensive flush inlaid gold and silver altdeutscher laubgravur (old German leaf engraving aka black leaf engraving) which emanate from a gold band at the breech towards the muzzle in a 15 inch wedge where it is only separated by an inch of open space before continuing in a smaller 3 1/2 inch wedge terminating at the muzzle in a gold band. The muzzle face displays foliate engraving. The top barrel flat signed in fancy gold inlaid script lettering "Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf a/Neckar Deutsches Reich", and there is a gold and silver fountain ahead of the rear sight and a gold torch to the rear. The tube magazine feed Mauser action is nearly entirely relief chiseled with Germanic scrollwork en suite with that of the barrel wedges and inlaid with gold to highly some of the floral components as well as being bordered with flush gold inlaid scrolls. The engraving flows onto the bolt handle and cocking piece. The deep relief chiseling then continues on the intricately shaped floorplate and trigger guard bow which displays the noted relief inlaid "AS" monogram at the center before transitioning into the extended horn pistol grip with fancy carved accenting. The rifle is fitted in an absolutely stunning walnut stock which has been extensively carved in deep relief with fantastic acanthus leaves and vines over a deep matted background and is intricately inlaid with hundreds of individual pieces of ivory creating wonderful leaf and scroll designs at the forend, mid-point, and butt of the stock along with a dark horn grip extension with scrolled finial. The stock is complete with a pair of gilt sling swivels, a raised cheekpiece, and a relief chiseled and gold inlaid skeletonized buttplate surrounding yet more ivory inlays on the butt.

Manufacturer: Mauser

Model: Bolt Action

BBL: 20 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 9.5x60mmR

Finish: blue/coin/gold

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent overall, retaining 98% of the original blue, 95% original coin finish, and 99% of the original precious metal inlays. The rifle shows some wear at the rear of the action, a few small chips in the horn grip, light handling evidence, and crisp carving and engraving. Mechanically excellent. This is an extremely rare opportunity to own what is certainly one of the most highly decorated antique Mauser rifles in the world!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000