Ultra-Rare Pre-Production M1898 Mauser Tiroler Waffenfabrik Peterlongo Sporting Rifle

An Ultra-Rare Pre-Production Model 1898 Mauser!  This 8x57mm Mauser sporting rifle was crafted by JOHAN PETERLONGO (Tiroler Waffenfabrik Peterlongo), a renowned Innsbruck gunmaker from 1826 through 1898. This quality sporter was built on a pre-production unserialized civilian Mauser action. The Tiroler Waffenfabrik Peterlongo legend is found stamped on the left side of an octagonal barrel flat. Features an octagon to round barrel with matted solid rib, sporting a ramp front sight, two leaf folding rear sight. Engraved case colored action with European claw mounts, a Mannlicher-style butter knife bolt handle, engraved floor plate and trigger guard, double set triggers, a walnut stock with checkered pistol grip and fluted cap, straight comb, under cut roll over cheek piece, horn butt plate and forearm tip with swivels. There is a very tasteful deer hunting scene factory engraved on the flooplate, with an oak leaf motif. There is also original engraving on many of the smaller parts. Condition is very good to fine, overall. The octagon transitioning to round barrel retains nearly all its blue finish with nominal handling marks. European sling swivels. The receiver retains flashes of color but mostly darkened. Floor plate and trigger guard have smooth dark a smooth patina. The gutta percha buttplate is pressed in an unusual basketweave pattern. One of the stock screws shows some pitting, but could easily be polished and refinished. . The stock is original and excellent with just minor impressions. Mechanically fine with a working trigger that does not set properly.  (Needs adjustment.) The bore has strong rifling but is frosted. Barrel Length: 22.5″. Because Tiroler Waffenfabrik Peterlongo ceased business under that name in 1898, this is undoubtedly a pre-production Model 1898 Mauser!  Notably, guns from the successor company  (late-1898 and onward) were marked: “Tiroler Waffenfabrik Peterlongo, Richard Mahrholdt & Sohn”  (CSGB-898)