Mauser Model 1893 Carbine : Lieutenant J McFarlane, Victorian Mounted Rifles

Mauser Model 1893 carbine with a turned down bolt arm. The left side of the action is marked DEUTSCHE WAFFEN UND MUNITIONSFABRIKEN BERLIN and the serial number. It has a full wood stock and top hand guard. The end cap is fitted with a bayonet lug. There is gouge mark to the left side of the fore end. Overall the weapon has been restored by rebluing the metalwork and varnishing the stock. Missing the cleaning rod.

This Mauser carbine belonged to Lieutenant John 'Jack' McFarlane, Victorian Mounted Rifles who served in the South African War of 1899 - 1902. He enlisted as 259 corporal in the Fourth Imperial Contingent which departed for service in South Africa on 1 May 1900 aboard the transport `Victorian'. The contingent arrived at Beira on 23 May and proceeded to Marandellas via Umtali, arriving there on 11 July.

Promoted to sergeant, he was posted to the Fifth Imperial Contingent when the fourth returned to Australia. He served with the fifth contingent from 22 June 1901 to 27 March 1902 and was commissioned lieutenant.

On 18 February 1902 Lieutenant McFarlane and his party captured 12 Boers and 40 horses in the Elandsberg district.

The fifth contingent returned to Melbourne in April 1902.