270 Musgrave info

[backlash]

Hi can any one please help me with a bit of info about my rifle. It is a 270 Musgrave model 90. I bought it in 2000 from a diplomat who had to leave the country. It has a double square bridge action and big game express sites on. I am courious for a few reasons and they are; 1: I paid R2300 for it, as i understand square bridge actions are now a days very rare and expensive, if so what can i value my rifle at today?  2: Can any one give more info on my specific or rifles in my rifles range as my serial number is 270D900062A.
Many thanks..

[JoevR]

I paid R2300 for it, as i understand square bridge actions are now a days very rare and expensive, if so what can i value my rifle at today? 

Backlash, square bridge and double square bridge actions are only very rare and expensive if the action is an Oberndorf Mauser commercial action, i.e. an action manufactured for hunting/sporting purpose, not military purpose. The significance of square bridges is that it was the technological adaption of the M98 Mauser action to facilitate scope mounting. This happened in the 1930's at the Mauser factory in Oberndorf, Germany. Thereafter the square bridge feature was copied by a lot of manufacturers, e.g. CZ Brno, Musgrave and others. Rarity of any Oberndorf Mauser commercial action, especially square bridge actions, is due to the destruction of the Mauser factory after WWII in 1946. Approximately 127 000 Oberndorf Mauser sporting rifles/ commercial M98 actions were manufactured between 1898 and 1946, and no more! Today Mauser sporting rifles are keenly collected by serious collectors all over the world, and rarity drives prices up!

In my opinion your 270 Musgrave Model 90 is an excellent rifle and africana from a bygone era in SA's history, and I will hang on to it if in your shoes. Depending on condition, the value of your rifle, without scope is approximately R 7500.00 to R 11 000.00.

Regards
Joe   

[backlash]

Thanks Joe
I appreciate the in put and info! Joe could you perhaps help me a bit more on the info and history of my perticular rifle, what i mean is where can i find out 1: was it number 62 as in the serial number 0062A of a series that they built, if so how many did they build that look idetical to mine and for what reason / once off etc. I'm just curious coz my rifle has what looks like custom features ie sights, stock, action.

Thanks regards
Backlash

[JoevR]

Backlash, I'm happy to help with what I know, but I cannot help with your last questions. Maybe you could post some pic's of your rifle, there are other forum members that could possibly help.

The book on Musgrave rifles must still be written. While the market for such a book is not huge, I hope that this proud chapter of SA firearm history will not be lost, while still in living memory of those that were directly involved.

My first hunting rifle was a 7 x 57  Model 98 Musgrave. I have owned many rifles since then, sold some to buy others, but I still have my Musgrave.

Regards
Joe 

[Daan Els]

Hi Backlash,
Please send some pics & I hope to be able to help you.
Enjoy,
Daan
daane@Dacapo.co.za