Picked up a Mauser 71 and know nothing about it.

[homergreg]

I had an impulse buy at an auction today. It was a nice big military rifle that had a name, "Lista" whittled into it a few times, but the barrel had a nice patina, or so I thought, for a gun that had 1879 stamped on it. After doing some looking online, I've found I picked up a Mauser model 71. So I called a friend and he directed me to this site as a place where someone could help me with all the interesting markings and maybe give an idea as to the value. It has some waxy stuff all over the receiver and bolt, and I don't know if I should clean it off or not, in that area it makes it look pretty crusty, but I can tell underneath it is clean. It also looks like there were some numbers on the stock in a paint at some time. Here's some photos and I would appreciate any info and opinions on how to clean this up without diminishing the value!

[musketshooter]

The receiver is coatred in dried grease. It should be in the white. Some 0000 steel wool and acetone should take care of it. Wipe the stock down with denatured alcohol and call it good.

[Gunner]

Hi, your rifle is made at Amberg wich was an bavarian factory. If this rifle was used in service with bavarian troops, than there should be the markings of the unit on the buttplate.
Nice BP rifle clean it carefully and have fun with it.

Regards

Gunner

[homergreg]

Thanks for the replies! The dried grease is cleaning up rather easily, but I'm taking it easy with cloth vs steel wool as I really don't know what I'm doing. I've taken some photos of receiver and bolt, and a photo of the buttplate if that helps tell the history of the gun.

[Gunner]

The markings on the buttplate should stand for "Bayern 17. Regiment "Orff" 10. Kompanie 128. Waffe". This means" Bavarian Army 17th Regiment "Orff" is the nickname 10th company 128th rifle. It waqs in bavarian use wich are also shown by the Royal Bavarian markings on the left of the chamber. Good found.

Regards

Gunner

[homergreg]

Thanks again! It's interesting to have one with all those markings. I've looked the rifle over and found the same serial number on everything but the retainer screw and washer for the bolt. It looks like that would be pretty easily lost in the field when cleaning. I cleaned up the receiver and bolt area pretty well with just a little acetone and cloth. The action is so much smoother without all that waxy grease! If I keep it, I'll probably let someone more experienced than myself preserve the rifle, otherwise I'll let the next owner tackle preserving it.

[Lancebear]

Hey guys,

Denatured alcohol will remove the patina from the wood. Lemon oil will clean off any grime and feed the wood, and not remove the patina.

LB