DWM Espingarda Portuguesa m/1904/39 Short Rifle, 8mm Mauser, 23.6 in Barrel, Portuguese Crest, CAI Import
Built by DWM for the Portuguese contract and later converted to the m/1904/39 short-rifle configuration, this 8mm Mauser Vergueiro-pattern rifle combines early production roots (1904–1907) with WWII-era updates. It features the Portuguese crest on the receiver ring, a 23.6 inch barrel, and clear import marks from Century Arms International, reflecting a documented path into the U.S. market.
The rifle retains hallmark characteristics of the m/1904/39, including the cock-on-closing action with a large external non-rotating claw extractor, a full-length stock with separate handguard, and a metric tangent rear sight. Collectors will appreciate the contract legend on the receiver wall and the original-style blued steel furniture.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There is widespread rust and pitting across metal surfaces. The rifle shows widespread scratches and blemishing. Deposits of cosmoline buildup are present. The bore appears dark and blemished, but the rifling remains deep and defined. The top handguard has a large break.
What’s Included
- Leather sling with brass buckle (installed)
- Under-barrel cleaning rod (installed)
This m/1904 DWM receiver was later converted to the m/1904/39 short-rifle configuration in 7.92×57 mm (8mm Mauser), pairing a 23.6 inch barrel with a 5-round internal magazine. The Vergueiro-pattern bolt maintains its distinctive cock-on-closing operation, straight bolt handle, and robust external claw extractor.
Contract and national markings are present, including the Portuguese crest on the receiver ring and the Portuguese contract legend on the left receiver wall. Clear import text reads "C.A.I. GEORGIA, VT – MADE IN GERMANY – 8 MM," confirming Century Arms International as the importer and Germany as the country of origin for the receiver.
The rifle retains its period-correct configuration: a full-length hardwood stock with a separate wood handguard featuring two elongated grooves per side, blued steel furniture, and bottom sling swivels (rear in the buttstock toe plate, front on the lower band). A cleaning rod is retained under the barrel, and the installed leather sling with brass buckle complements the setup. Length of pull measures 12.5 inches.
Sight equipment includes a protected front post in a squared block with ears, paired with a tangent rear sight carrying metric graduations. These features align with the Portuguese short-rifle pattern and support precise elevation adjustments.