SOLD ULTRA RARE BELGIUM WWI HOPKINS & ALLEN Co. MODEL 1889 BELGIUM MAUSER RIFLE, IN EXCEPTIONAL CONDITION, FROM THE MERCALDO COLLECTION!

This rifle is from the lifetime collection of noted firearms historian and author Luke Mercaldo, and it was featured in his well know Reference book “Allied Rifle Contracts in America, 1914-1918″.  It was also published in the Remington Collectors Journal as well.  Along with the purchase of the rifle, you will receive a signed copy of the book, and a notarized letter of authenticity from the author.  I cannot recall any firearm that we have handled where the author/consignor was that thoughtful and generous to include all of that information, especially in such a concise format.  

In excellent all matching condition, we have a WWI Belgian Army Issued Mauser Model 1889 Service rifle that was made in America circa 1916 by the Hopkins & Allen Company of Norwich, CT.  This rifle was shipped to Belgium was used in battle and remarkably stayed in original condition.  Most of these rifles were upgraded and reworked in the 1930’s and that is why finding an example still in WWI issued condition is so nearly impossible to do.  

With most of the country completely occupied by the German Army from 1914, the Belgium government only controlled a small area of Belgium and because of this fact the Belgians set up arsenals in Calais France and Birmingham England.  Hopkins & Allen was able to win a contract to produce these rifles, and even though they ended up in Bankruptcy because of this, they still finished to contract under the ownership of Marlin.  These rifles did all end up in the hands of the Belgium Army and were immediately sent to the front.  I can tell you from personal experience that you just absolutely do not see these rifles in any condition. This is the chance of a lifetime to own one of these exceedingly rare rifles.