FN Mauser Rifles: Arming Belgium and the World
By Dean Roxby
From Rifles to Bicycles: Well Researched Book Covers the History of the Belgian FN Mauser
Author Anthony Vanderlinden has spent more than 25 years collecting and researching FN history and products and has previously released several fine books through his own publishing company, Wet Dog Publications. The latest title (FN Mauser Rifles: Arming Belgium and the World) is the result of over seven years of research, including assistance from FN Herstal in Belgium and FN America. Also credited are many other advanced collectors. It is immediately apparent upon looking at this book that author Anthony Vanderlinden is passionate about the FN brand.
The book begins with a detailed study of the early origins of Fabrique Nationale and how a number of small companies got together in the mid-1800s to build rifles for the Belgian army. It then discusses the wide range of products produced. Besides the obvious firearms line, FN has made everything from typewriters, bicycles and early horseless carriages to license-built, Rolls-Royce jet engines. A full line of motorcycles and cars was once produced.
This section also looks at the rifle trials that preceded the adoption of the Mauser rifle. The other rifles also entered into the trials are briefly discussed too. Interestingly, the inventors behind these designs are also profiled in a three-page sidebar. These names include Francotte, Engh, Nagant, Pieper, Marga and, of course, Paul Mauser.
With the selection of the Mauser Model 1889 rifle came the need to build a factory capable of producing the 150,000 rifles required. This led to the formation of Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre (National War Weapons Factory). An agreement between many small arms makers in the city of Liege, Belgium, to form a new corporation was reached in late 1888, with incorporation following in 1889. This section has many fantastic old photos of the factory, showing the rows of lathes used to produce rifles.
The book then covers the First World War and German occupation, followed by prosperity in the 1920s, the 1930s Great Depression and then WW II. The FN Herstal (Herstal is a section of Liege) factory suffered greatly during WW II due to German occupation, the removal of machinery and even V1 bombing. It then covers up to modern day, including various mergers and acquisitions.
A study of Belgian arsenals and their role in both wars and the years following is covered also. A detailed explanation of the Belgian proof house and proof mark system is given. The difference between proof marks, inspection marks and acceptance marks is addressed.
It must be noted that a lot of this material is almost exactly duplicated from the earlier book FN Browning Pistols that I reviewed in SAR V21N3. Nonetheless, these two titles are certainly stand-alone books, and they make a great set provided that you accept the duplication noted.
In addition to the Belgian Mauser Model 1889, the book also examines the Spanish Mauser (1893), Models 1922, 1924 and 1930 and variants for various foreign militaries. Naturally, all manner of accessories and bayonets are covered as well.
One loosely related subject that I found interesting is the strange route by which a particular gun traveled around the world. The section covering the Spanish Mauser contract mentions the curious discovery of Model 1893 rifles in Afghanistan. These were not worn-out single rifles at an arms bazaar, but several hundred identical guns in an Afghani arsenal. Nothing is certain, but the best guess is that these guns were captured in Cuba during the Spanish-American War of 1898, and then sold by Francis Bannerman to an arms dealer in Belgium. From there, it seems they were transferred through Karachi, Pakistan, to Kabul, Afghanistan. Finally, they were moved to the USA as a vet bring-back.
As with all previous Wet Dog books, this title is printed and bound in the USA, not offshore. The pages are glossy, bright white coated paper. This makes the images really pop. The book measures 8.75” x 11.25” and is hardbound with a color cover. This title will make a fine addition to your library.
FN MAUSER RIFLES: ARMING BELGIUM AND THE WORLD
AUTHOR: ANTHONY VANDERLINDEN
PUBLISHER: WET DOG PUBLICATIONS, GREENSBORO, NC
ISBN: 978-0-9981397-0-8
COPYRIGHT: 2016
PAGES: 412, HARDBOUND COLOR COVER, 8.75” x 11.25”, MORE THAN 1,250 B&W AND COLOR PHOTOS AND IMAGES, PRINTED AND BOUND IN THE USA
USD: $68.95
This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V22N1 (January 2018) |
| SUBSCRIBER COMMENT AREA |
Comments have not been generated for this article.
