St. Denis Mauser Infanterie-Gewehr Mod. 71 — Daudeteau 6.5x53.5R Saint-Denis Conversion, Uruguayan Contract, 30-inch Barrel, Single-Shot
This antique, Uruguayan-contract Daudeteau conversion pairs a German Mauser Infanterie-Gewehr Model 1871 receiver with French Saint-Denis work in 6.5x53.5R Daudeteau. Converted circa 1894–1896 and retaining its single-shot configuration, it features a 30-inch barrel, Daudeteau sighting system, and distinctive Saint-Denis markings. A scarce, collector-grade example of the mixed German-French program adopted by Uruguay in the mid-1890s.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Moderate Fouling - Lead or copper fouling with noticeable buildup.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: Considering its 1890s conversion over an 1879-dated receiver, the observed exterior wear and handling marks are consistent with long service and age.
What’s Included
- St. Denis Mauser Infanterie-Gewehr Mod. 71 Daudeteau 6.5x53.5R rifle, as described
This rifle is a Société Française d’Armes Portatives (Saint-Denis) conversion of a Mauser Infanterie-Gewehr Model 1871 to the 6.5x53.5R Daudeteau for the Uruguayan contract, completed circa 1894–1896. It retains the single-shot configuration with a long external extractor that rotates with the bolt and a straight bolt handle with round knob, reflecting the Daudeteau program’s emphasis on a streamlined, accurate service arm in a modern 6.5 mm cartridge.
Key markings are present and informative: the receiver carries the original I. G. Mod. 71 designation and Crown-over-"W" Imperial acceptance, while the barrel shank bears a clear "S.F.A.P. St Denis" script identifying the Saint-Denis work.
The front sight’s right face is stamped "1," and the receiver is dated 1879, underscoring the German-origin receiver and later French conversion timeline.
The rifle mounts the Daudeteau sighting package with a long-base tangent rear sight with a sliding elevator, paired with a block front sight protected by shoulders. Stock furniture matches the contract configuration: a full-length hardwood stock with two barrel bands, straight wrist, steel buttplate, sling swivels, an under-barrel/muzzle bayonet lug with no side bayonet bar or spring, and a cleaning-rod channel with inletted retaining spring. A yellow-metal (brass-colored) trigger guard adds a distinctive visual cue to the Saint-Denis pattern.
Chambered for 6.5x53.5R Daudeteau, this rifle uses a cartridge developed for the conversion program and is not interchangeable with 6.5x53R Mannlicher. The 30-inch steel barrel, manual safety, and 13.5-inch length of pull round out the configuration. Together, the features, markings, and caliber make this a notable example of Uruguay’s 1895 adoption program and a scarce contract conversion with mixed German-French provenance.