GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
MAUSER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PROTOTYPE RIFLE ACTION, MADE FOR MAXIMILAN J. OCHES, IN COLN, EHRENFELD.MAUSER1916NSNN/AUnique pneumatic semi-automatic rifle development trials action made by Mauser on behalf of U.S. citizen Maximilan J. Oches, then a resident of Cleveland OH, 1916, for patent purposes. Unmarked 18" bbl with no sights having a compressed air actuation extension centered 4-3/4" forward of the receiver that is marked on top with the single line address "MAUSER-WAFFENFABRIK, G.m.b.H. COLN: EHRENFELD". At the back of the receiver is a screwed-on cap. The pneumatic mechanism functions via a long operating rod housed in a separate in-the-white tube below the bbl and chamber. When the bolt is fully closed it may be locked in place by rotating the knurled forward extension of the operating rod counterclockwise. Rotating the housing clockwise exposes a red dotted indicator over the bolt, indicative of the fire ready status. After the bolt and operating rod are pushed fully to the rear the pneumatic effect can be appreciated as the parts cycle forward, nearly halfway to battery. This mechanism is for patent purposes only, as a trigger mechanism has not been implemented, despite the attached trigger guard. Plain wood stock without checkering or varnish and smooth metal buttplate. PROVENANCE: Previously part of the factory collection of the Mauser Coln (Koln – Cologne) Ehrenfeld plant founded by Alfons Mauser (son of Wilhelm Mauser) to manufacture pressed steel wares prior to WWI but which collaborated with Mauser Oberndorf in munitions production during WWI. Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Approx 85-90% with fading on the bbl and touchup over the receiver and trigger guard. The in-the-white tubing that houses the operating rod with only minimal oxidative changes. Stock has minimal oil staining and only a few superficial handling dings. A unique prototype mechanism made by Mauser and previously unknown to this cataloger. 43475-1021 LMA (3,000-5,000)