Martin Kruschitz Ferlach- Wein marked rifle

Cleto

February 03, 2014 10:29

I have been trying to find information on a mauser rifle my father owned. I havent found any markings on the action other than on the bold and a SN in the 6k range. The barrel is marked "Martin Kruschitz Ferlach- Wein" in addition to "Made in Austria" and "Bohler Stahl". The caliber is 300 H-H. The front sight ramp was milled with the barrel (one piece). The full length of the barrel is matted, even across the top of the front sight ramp. Any information on the maker or value would be appreciated.

Thanks
Chris
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  rufe-snow

  February 03, 2014 10:51

  High class rifle, from the photos. Bunch of stuff comes up when you use GOOGLE. Use this search term "Martin Kruschitz Ferlach". Than use Google translate for the english translation.
  
  One of the Austrian markings will be a two digit date of proof.
  
  Value would depend mostly on cosmetics, IMHO. The only thing I would question would be the pad? Of course, if it was custom made for your father? It might be original.

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  Cleto

  February 03, 2014 11:11

  Thanks rufe-snow,
  
  I think I have run across the same sites. Had to brush up on some German--hasnt gotten me far though. My dad acquired the rifle in the 70's when we had a gun store. Dont know much more about the rifle other than knowing I saw him sell many other nice bolt action rifles in his collection but always held onto this one.
  
  Not sure if makes a difference but here is a photo of the other side
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  nononsense

  February 03, 2014 15:21

  Cleto,
  
  Here is the short course:
  
  Ferlach is a small town in the state of Kaernten/Austria.
  The famous school "HTLB" is located there, and gunsmithing is one
  of their branches. The gunsmith curriculum takes 5 years.
  
  Martin Kruschitz was a Ferlach gunsmith. His maker's number was 25. So when you see one of his original firearms, it will have the serial number beginning with 25 then a hyphen followed by the firearm serial number. 25-#xxxx
  
  Your father's rifle is based on the Zastava Mark X action made in Zastava and sold to hundreds of custom rifle makers both in Europe and the U.S. This action is referred to as the 'improved' M98 Mauser which was pioneered in Belgium after WWII. It featured the solid left side as opposed to having the stripper clip thumb notch.
  
  The 'matted' is actually a full length running rib which was indeed milled into the barrel from one solid piece.
  
  "Bohler Stahl" is the name of the steel maker.
  
  .300 H&H is a cartridge not a caliber.
  
  This is apparently a commercial rendition of more customized rifles. Yes the barrel is special by today's standards but overall the rifle was a moderate purchase at the time. I don't try to valuate since it can run the gamut depending on the emotional attachment to either the tradition or ownership.
  
  I will say that you can improve on the overall presentation by removing that Leupold base which looks like a brick screwed to the action. There are far better methods of mounting scopes that have classic good looks. The same goes for the rings.
  
  Best.

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  Cleto

  February 03, 2014 16:17

  nononsense,
  
  Thank you for the reply and the new information.
  
  Chris

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