MAUSER OTTOMAN 1893
The model presented here is an evolution of the Ottoman Mauser 1890 infantry rifle.
Derived from the model of the same name for Spain which itself is a derivative of the prototype model 1892. This new rifle will be delivered in 201100 copies.
It has the same ammunition as the Model 1890 which precedes it, namely the 7.65x53mm smokeless powder cartridge regulation in the imperial army.
The Ottomans having signed a technological evolution clause with the Mauser company which allowed the transition from the model 1887 rifle to the model 1890 which is a technological leap forward, thus benefiting from the best developments for their weapons.
The biggest improvement to our Model 1893 is the loader. That of the 1890 contains 5 shots in a straight magazine (the cartridges are stacked on top of each other in the same axis), while the magazine of the 1893 also contains 5 shots, but arranged in a staggered row which saves time. place and house our 5 cartridges directly in the stock without having an external protrusion like our 1890 model.
The magazine end plate is characteristic of the 1893 model. Compared to other later models, it is slightly domed and not flat like all Mausers after 1893.
Surely a still primitive design of the German engineers who modified this part to make it flat on all the other evolutions of the Mauser which will follow.
The case of the 93 is a small ring (just like its predecessors).
Like the 1890 model, it has the tugrah (seal) of Caliph Abdülhamid 2 on its thunder. On the right side, the serial number in Arabic characters.
The breech ejector goes up on the loader blade guide as on the 1890 but also the 1903 . Particular characteristic of Mausers in caliber 7.65x53 like the 1909 Argentinian.
Just like the 1890 model (or the Swedish M96), the breech is cocked on closing. Quite surprising for a shooter accustomed to 98 model systems which are much more flexible. However, if we consider the time of conception, this system is far superior to what was done in this period. Like all other Ottoman models, the bolt handle is adorned with a crescent marking.
Under the ball of the lever we find the last 3 digits of the serial number. The proof marks are present on the barrel on the lower part, hidden by the butt. The correspondence of these markings in the appendix of the 1887 model.
On the left side of the case we have the classic marking of the Ottoman Mausers: "Oberndorfda Mavzer silah fabrikasi: "Fabrique d´Armes Mauser à Oberndorf" year 1312 H or 1894 of the Gregorian calendar.
The bolt ejector is also specific to this model. As said before, it also goes up to the loader blade guide ( like the 1903 model ) but does not have exactly the same shape. The loader blade well of the 1893 is lower than its 1903 replacement.
The rise is also special. Quite similar to the 1890 model or even the 1887. It is adjusted unfolded perpendicular to the barrel differently from the 1903 which is adjusted by following a curve. However the sight of the 93 has a rapid fire sight going up to 400m.
Another element unique to the 93 is a "cut off" system. A small button on the right part of the box allows the blocking of the elevating plate of the magazine in order to pass the rifle in single shots. Quite surprising option on a rifle which is intended to be an evolution of the 1890, which itself does not have this function; may be a particular request from the Ottoman army, whose soldiers regretted that the previous 1890 model did not have the single-shot mode present on the 1887 with the Kropatchek system (single-shot or tubular magazine.
On the photo on the left the cut off button is in clamping position. We can see the flange which blocks the loader board in height. In the photo on the right, the button is in the charger position. The bridle is released from the magazine board, the store works in 5 shots. Note the crescent proof mark on the button and the lifting board.
The butt plate is numbered and is screwed a little further on the stock unlike the 1903 model. Note in passing the marking of all the hardware of these different models with a crescent. On the 1893, an M is added on the other side of the screw; probably a quality inspection mark. ( see page on markings ).
So much for this extraordinary model from the Mauser firm. Exceptional because it is the only smokeless powder model to have a magazine clamp. He is also the first to have a staggered charger (with his Spanish counterpart from 1893 too). It is a very well finished rifle with very beautiful markings. Like its brother the 1903 it will not escape the "38" conformity upgrade which will modify it quite significantly. Which will make our original copy rather rare with its imperial markings.
Annex
Photograph of soldiers equipped with Model 1893 Mausers recognizable by their domed magazine bottom plates.
Seen at the Istanbul Military Museum, a Mauser Model 1893 customized with gold engravings. On the thunder (pictured bottom right) the tugrah is drawn surrounded by decoration. Other patterns are present on all the metal parts of the weapon.
On this 1893, there seems to be no cut off on the case (special order or transformation of a standard model?).
