Question - Star of David on 1895 Chilean Mauser

[LisaA]

I just got a 1895 Chilean Mauser, complete with cleaning rod (matching number!!) and bayonet. It is in VG-Excellent condition. There are various stamps on the receiver, bolt, and stock. The one stamp on the left side of the stock surprised me: a small Star of David, about 1/8" in size.

I researched this and came up with different explanations. One was that the Star of David is the stamp of the Loewe Berlin manufacturer. Another explanation was it is a mark of higher quality. Someone told me that the rifle may have been used by the Israeli army, but that seemed unlikely.

Does anyone know what the Star of David means? Thanks for your help.

[GHogHarvester]

Mauser Military Rifles mentions a "mystery" Mauser with serial number 4629 with the same marking on the receiver, bolt, barrel and buttstock.

The hexagram is also a freemason symbol. Freemasons existed in Germany in that era. Also, some Irish groups placed Masonic symbols on their firearms around the turn of the century.

Maybe a different direction to research, sorry I couldn't be more help.

[seoulstice]

I'm not sure if 1895 Mausers were used by the Israelis but I know the K-98 Mausers surely were. They were stamped with the Star of David and rebarreled in .308 I think.

[phillyd2]

Don't know the answer sorry but why unlikely that it was used by the Israeli army? From mid to late 1940's they were begging around the world for any and all types of arms so I would not rule it out. Also, are you sure its the Star of David with the internal lines instead of just a 6 pointed star which has tons of different meanings?

[LisaA]

Yes, the Star of David has the internal lines.

I mentioned that it was unlikely to be used by the Israeli army only because my research never offered that as an explanation.

[phillyd2]

In that case if you can't find the answer on line I would simply call their Embassy and they can direct you to whoever in their MOD may know about it. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

[LisaA]

I'm not sure if 1895 Mausers were used by the Israelis but I know the K-98 Mausers surely were. They were stamped with the Star of David and rebarreled in .308 I think.

Yes, this is true. My rifle is still chambered for 7 x 57.

[OldPre68]

I just got a 1895 Chilean Mauser, complete with cleaning rod (matching number!!) and bayonet. It is in VG-Excellent condition. There are various stamps on the receiver, bolt, and stock. The one stamp on the left side of the stock surprised me: a small Star of David, about 1/8" in size.

I researched this and came up with different explanations. One was that the Star of David is the stamp of the Loewe Berlin manufacturer. Another explanation was it is a mark of higher quality. Someone told me that the rifle may have been used by the Israeli army, but that seemed unlikely.

Does anyone know what the Star of David means? Thanks for your help.

Lowe produced the rifle for Chile. Lowe was bought by DWM in around 1900. Some of the rifles were diverted
to the Orange Free State during the Boer War, but they are marked with an L on the receiver. They were imported by Samco in the 1980s.

[maksim]

Very cool piece of history. Pics?

I collect Israeli mausers... er guns they acquired from everywhere.

[spandexlurch]

Whoohooo a ten year revival.