Updated 9/29/03

It seemed simple enough - start asking around the C&R list about the meaning to the characters beneath the serial number on my '08 Brazilian Mauser. Are they a series indication (seems to be so), a special unit marking (not really), prefix or suffix, paper or plastic? Thusly, this survey was born. So, if you have found yourself here and would like to contribute to my quest, the following information is what I am collecting:

1. Character(s) beneath the serial number AND serial number (See Example 1)
2. DWM Address - will be Berlin or Oberndorf (See Example 2)
3. ButtStock Cartouche next to disc - should be Flag, Star or Flowery "mum". (See Example 3)
4. Importer's stamp - usually on the side of the exposed barrel by the muzzle (Mine has no import stamp visable to me)
5. Overall condition - simply curious here. So far "as new" to "ratty".
6. Any other comment welcome too - curious markings, carvings, etc.

This survey applies to the Model 1908 Brazilian Mauser only - though the Model 1907 can appear virtually similar, check to see if there is a locking screw for the front triggerguard screw (see Example 4). If that locking screw is there, then you are holding a Model 1908.

Also, it would be nice to see if those with matching rifles have the same serial and "series" markings on the bolt handle - the serial number may be a partial number. I have a mismatched bolt so the serial number and "series" marking unfortunately do not match. (See Example 5)

If there are two characters beneath the serial number, they should be two letters. The first one upper-case and the second lower-case. The single characters will probably be a stylized or italics lower-case alpha-character. If you are unsure, make your best guess and indicate that you are not sure.

When you indicate the stock cartouche, would you also indicate if the stock is matching to the rifle. The matching serial number should be stamped on the stock just behind the rear sling swivel. A correlation between "series" markings and cartouche stamps might be interesting.

Of course, this gathering of information itself will not reveal what these characters mean. The hope is to have as much of the varied information gathered for quick representation of known markings. Then the significance can be researched as a whole.

The import stamp is just to see through whom these rifles entered the US. For those of you who are not in the United States or do not have any import stamps, please indicate no import stamp.

I am by no means an expert on Brazilian Mausers, or even Mausers in general. This is a way for me to learn more and hopefully contribute a little something back to the collector's community to which I owe the knowledge gained thus far. It appears that I'm asking for a lot of information, but I'd rather do this thoroughly the first time. I thank you for your indulgence.

Please direct all comments, corrections, suggestions and most importantly survey information here. Feel free to ask others to add their information or just browse. Current survey results.

• 2/10/03 - I'd like to thank everyone who have comtributed their data for my survey. A summary of the findings which support the contracts on these Brazilian '08's will be added soon.

• 9/29/03 - A PDF of the 1987 Springfield Armory Ad for their 1908 Brazilians $110 - $175. Courtesy David Neal.