Mauser M1903
The History
The official standard issue rifle of the Ottoman Empire in the First World War, as well as the most modern in their arsenal, was the Mauser Model 1903. This was essentially a standard export pattern Mauser 98, produced on contract for the Ottomans with certain specific features to suit the requirements of the Middle Eastern power.
The action of the M1903, showing the characteristic “onion” bolt knob and “humped” receiver bridge
Over several contracts, approximately 200,000 rifles were purchased by the Ottomans, all chambered in their standard 7.65mm cartridge, the same as used in the Belgian and Argentinian Mauser rifles. When the Empire entered the war in 1914 the M1903 was the most modern rifle available, and served in all theaters where Ottoman troops were deployed. It also would later serve as a template for a massive upgrade effort in post war Turkey after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
Loading the rifle with a five-round charger clip. Note the humped recevier bridge, with the bolt release extending over to serve as a catch to retain the earlier, smooth sided clips, as well as the thumb relief cut in the receiver wall
After the fall of the Ottoman Empire the new Turkish Republic found itself awash in a vast number of rifles, mainly Mauser pattern designs. The standardized M1903 was considered to be the best choice, although the decision was made to change the caliber to the German 7.92x57mm cartridge, primarily due to the vast amounts of German ammunition left behind the German Army as well as the large number of German rifles available. Although the changes to the M1903 were minimal, the upgrade program resulted in the older M1893 and M1890 models as well as large numbers of German Gewehr 98 rifles beign converted into M1903 pattern rifles. These would remain in service, alongside a new production M38 rifle, through the Korean War in the 1950s.
The rifle loaded, showing the double-stack internal magazine. Note the notch in the receiver ring, needed for use of charger clips after the conversion to 7.92x57mm
The Design
The M1903 was a fairly standard export pattern Mauser 98, although certain unique features make it easy to identify as an Ottoman model. Like all Mauser 98s, the M1903 has a cock-on-close bolt action mechanism, with two primary locking lugs and a redundant third safety lug, as well as a machined rail for smooth operation. The distinctive 1898 long claw extractor is also present, preventing double feeds as well as providing smooth and reliable operation.
An original Turkish clip of 1943 dated 7.92mm ammunition
The M1903 was differentiated by several features, many of which would survive the upgrade process in the interwar years. Notably, the rifle features a humped receiver bridge, with the bolt release curving over to serve as a catch for the charger clip. This is intended to hold the clip in position, as early 7.95mm clips lacked the more modern locking studs on their sides. The rifle also features an “onion” or “teardrop” shaped bolt knob, as opposed to the more common round ball.
The action in the locked position. Note the Mauser three position flag safety at the rear of the bolt. Also note that the original Farsi crest with Ottoman seal have been replaced by a Turkish Republic marking, standard script and 1937 rebuild date
The sights of the rifle consisted of a standard v-notch tangent rear sight adjustable in 50 meter increments from 100 to 2,000 meters, paired with a windage adjustable front blade. The original rear sight was marked in Farsi numerals, but the upgrade process left most of them with standard arabic numerals.
The rear sight of the rifle, modified with arabic numerals
The rifle features two sling swivels on the underside, taking a plain leather sling with simple thong ties. The front band is a simple, thin affair retained by an underside leaf spring, which is in turn held in place by the clearing rod. The small bayonet lug is used in combination with a muzzle ring on the standard issue bayonet. This was originally a long, thin blade with a hooked quillion, but the postwar upgrade program resulted in both modified and purpose-built short knife bayonets with no quillion.
The front sight. Note also the clearing rod under the barrel and the US import marking on the side
This Example
The example in the author’s collection is a fairly typical refurbished M1903. It was converted in 1937 at Ankara, as designated by the receiver markings. Like many M1903 conversions, it does still retain some Ottoman markings on smaller parts, notably on the floorplate and bolt release. The original receiver marks were eliminated during this process, as is typical. The rifle has a crack in the stock near the recoil lug, although this does not effect function. It also retains an original Turkish leather sling, retained by thong ties. Its bolt is mismatched, as is fairly standard with Turkish rifles, as they were stored with their bolts removed and little care was taken in reinstalling them when needed.
The underside of the rifle, with original Ottoman Farsi markings still present
Opinions
The Mauser M1903 is a very plain rifle. This is mostly a bog-standard Mauser 98 with a few distinctive features. Despite this, I have found the M1903 to be among the smoothest Mauser 98 rifles I have encountered, even with a mismatched bolt, a testament to prewar German manufacturing quality. The distinctive bolt knob also facilitates comfortable rapid fire shooting. The long handguard is also welcome in this use.
My main complaint with the 1903 is that the rear sight is both located rather far down the barrel, and has a very small rear notch, making it rather hard to acquire, especially in lower light.
I would personally recommend the M1903 to anyone looking for an excellent, affordable Mauser with wartime service. Where the unconverted models are nearly impossible to find in the US market, the conversions are fairly common, and generally priced very affordably. They represent probably the most affordable of the major WWI powers’ rifles, and are thus an excellent starting point to any collection, and always worthy of a place in one’s inventory.
Ottoman soldiers equipped with M1903 rifles attend a demonstration of the rifle by an officer, circa 1915 (Image from britishbattles.com, used with permission)
Observed Values and Frequency
Updated: February, 2024
AVERAGE VALUE (USD): $450
FREQUENCY: Uncommon
COLLECTOR’S NOTES: Commonly lumped in with less desirable Turkish Mausers. The distinctive bolt shape and humped charge guide identify an M1903