Mauser question?

[sapper44]

Guys;
I have a couple of books that talk about Mauser's from around the world and in several they talk about how several country's had Mauser's on order or were in the process of receiving them when war broke out. My question is what did Germany et all do with all the 1903, 1908, and 1910 Mauser's that were still in Germany? Did they remake them in 8mm and restock them and issue them as Gew98s? If they issued them, who got them? Any opinions?
Thanks;
Christian

[Larry Dunn]

AFAIK, the 1903 and 1908 contracts had been completed (delivered) prior to the outbreak of hostilities, not sure about 1910.

The Austro-Hungarian government seized the second half of the 1912 contract for '98-style Mausers in 7x57mm ordered by Mexico, Chile and Colombia. The only modification was changing the rear swing-swivel and sling to the Austrian M95 style. They were issued to K.u.K forces in 7x57mm Mauser as the "M1914."

Chile had the privilege of having their Modelo 1912s stolen by both sides, with Austrians keeping the 30,000 rifles they were supposed to deliver in 1914. The British seized the battleship Almirante Latorre just prior to its scheduled delivery to the Chilean Navy--it was so close to delivery that the Chileans had already sent Modelo 1912 Mausers for the ship's arsenal. The British re-named the ship HMS Canada and used it throughout WWI, finally delivering the ship to Chile in 1920. The Mausers turned out to be popular with the Canada's crew, as they were very accurate and proved useful for shooting mines at long range. When the Chileans finally received their ship, Ross rifles had been substituted, and the Mausers remained in Royal Navy inventory.

-Larry

[oskar2ndchev]

When the Chileans finally received their ship, Ross rifles had been substituted, and the Mausers remained in Royal Navy inventory.

Ross rifles...talk about the booby prize!