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Desirable World War I Mauser Tankgewehr Bolt Action Anti-Tank Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Desirable World War I Mauser Tankgewehr Bolt Action Anti-Tank Rifle
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Desirable World War I Mauser Tankgewehr Bolt Action Anti-Tank Rifle

Manufactured by the Germans in 1917 and 1918 in response to Allied tank assaults. The Mauser Tankgewehr 18, or "Elefant-Buechse" was the first dedicated man-portable anti-tank weapon. Weighing in at 37 pounds, the T-Gewehr was capable of penetrating the armor of the day and could disable an enemy vehicle in 6-10 shots. A historically important weapon, the T-Gewehr gave birth to the anti-tank rifle and was the grandfather of the modern anti-material rifle. Blade front and tangent rear sights, with matching numbers on the barrel, receiver, bolt components, bolt catch, barrel band, trigger guard and stock, the Mauser banner over "1918" on the receiver ring, and a smooth two-piece pistol grip stock.

Manufacture: Mauser
Model: Anti-Tank
BBL: 39 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 13 mm
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1886

Fine. The rifle retains 40% of the original blue finish, showing a mixed brown patina with scattered spotting overall. Traces of green paint are present on the receiver, possibly the remains of a field-expedient camouflage application. The stock is good with some mild chipping and dings. A slight bend is visible in the rear sight, otherwise the rifle is mechanically very good. A significant milestone in small arms development and forerunner to a class of weapons that affect the battlefield to this very day.