WW1 Austrian used Colombian M1912?

[BigShell]

Honestly have no idea, I’ve read a bunch of these stayed in Austria for the war and that those that stayed were outfitted with larger sling swivels. This one seems awfully long (1.68”) but I don’t have another 1912 to compare to. Most small parts are marked “C”, I guess Colombia?

 

[Absolut]

Well, at least not used in this configuration by Austria during WWI. Note your rifle has been converted to a CARBINE whereas these originally were RIFLES. It could be that it originally saw service among the Austrian Army in WWI, but post WWI it got converted to a Carbine by whoever.

 

[AndyB]

From Heino Hintermeier information is possible You have there a Colombian Carbine of which was delivered prior the War begin, no sign of austrian refurbishment for austrian sling, or unit on buttplate, the serial number is too low. Anyway about 5000 rifles M15 to Colombia were confiscated in mid of 1914 for austrian army.

 

[heavy_mech]

..Anyway about 5000 rifles M15 to Colombia were confiscated in mid of 1914 for austrian army.

Thanks for the information. It made me think of 2 follow on questions. Where was this in the contract to Columbia? Also was this the end of export rifles from Austria?

 

[BigShell]

Yeah I know about a third of the 1912 contract was halted. I believe the contract was for 25,000 rifles and carbines (combined). Those rifles and carbines were obviously placed in reserve.

 

[AndyB]

"Walter's book provides these details on quanitities of rifles per country which were in production or storage at Steyr in August, 1914 which were purchased for Austro-Hungarian service:
1. From the Mexican contract, 67,000 rifles in 1914 (p. 153)
2. From the Colombian contract, 5,000 rifles in 1915 (p. 160)
3. From the Chilean contract, 3,000 rifles in 1916 (p. ??)"

Questionable from Walter is the point 3 Chile 3000 rifles, as probably complete delivery were realised to Chile.
I dont known exactly for how many rifles and carbines was Colombia M1912 contract, in Heino H. book are mentioned 18500pcs produced for Colombia, of which mostly 5000 were confiscated. From the numbers i assume 13500? were delivered to Colombia in prewar period.

 

[geladen]

My example is A1534. I see no reason to think that either mine or A1110 did not go to Colombia.

 

[BigShell]

Thanks Andy for the excerpt, and thanks Geladen for the pics. This was kind of an add on, I don’t normally seek out South American Mausers.


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[HerrWolfsberg]

Well, at least not used in this configuration by Austria during WWI. Note your rifle has been converted to a CARBINE whereas these originally were RIFLES. It could be that it originally saw service among the Austrian Army in WWI, but post WWI it got converted to a Carbine by whoever.

There were both M1912 long rifles and carbines in the Colombian contract. However, I only saw long rifles in Austro-Hungarian hands in WWI.