I'm trying to get as much info as I can on a Swedish Mauser that I inherited will probably sell. It appears to be in very good condition and everything functions properly. It says 5 over a line, with A4 under the line on the tag; then No 1256 at the bottom of the tag. All numbers match and seem correct on this gun.
Most other markings can be seen clearly in the photos I'm attaching. Bluing and metal seems to be original and excellent, the brown coloring on the bolt seems to be dried grease, or some type of preservative.
I know my father owned this gun back in the 50's and occasionally used it for deer hunting. He generally coated his guns with some type of grease and placed them in oil cloth socks when they weren't going to be used for awhile.
He was a POW who escaped from German prison camp during WWII, and brought several weapons home with him. But I'm not sure if this was one he brought home or if it may be one that came from my grandfather, who was a big collector and served in WWI. I do know for sure that he brought several guns and bayonets back with him, but I can't remember just which ones they are.
From everything I've been able to find on these, it may be something imported and one of them bought later, because it does have the very short barrel extension, unless that was required to be installed even on "war trophies" when they were brought back.
I chose to post here because I'm told there is a gentleman here who is an expert on these guns. I hope I was told correctly.
Any and all info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
OldFotoMan