Mauser Model 1893 Rifle : Turkish Army

Mauser Model 1893 bolt action rifle. Turkish toghra cypher on the breech top and Arabic markings on left side of receiver (translates as Mauser Werke Oberndorf). Full wood stock and top hand guard. Overall painted camouflage green and brown. Carved into the right side of the butt is ANZAC 1915 CAPT. H.C.Craig 22nd BATTN A.I.F.

This rifle was used by a Turkish marksman on Gallipoli. The Model 93 Mauser was one of the standard pattern Mauser rifles issued to the Turkish army during the First World War and the most common type used against Australian forces at Gallipoli in 1915. The Turkish Model 93 Mauser was developed from the Spanish Model 93, but in a different caliber and equipped with a magazine cutoff. All production of the Model 93 was undertaken by the Oberndorf Mauser works which manufactured 201,100 Model 93 rifles for the Imperial Ottoman Government. Captain Craig is possibly Lieutenant Harold Craig, 22 Battalion who returned to Australia in 19 March 1916.