The 71/84 Mauser in Africa

[Khaki]

I read with interest the exploits of the Imperial German Forces in Africa, and most references to firearms refer to the soldiers using model 1871 Mauser's and G1888 (commission) rifles. Was the 71/84 used to any extent or is it being included as a '71' in written histories?

Thanks

khaki

[Ithklur]

Hello khaki

regarding to my sources (Boell, War diary of the Schutztruppe, etc) it was commonly called the M71

Also there was no significant distinction between rifles and carbines in the listings

There is photographic evidence for all types of Mauser rifles and carbines but no statistics

about the frequency of the sub-types

Hope this helps

regards

Olav

[Khaki]

Thanks Olav,

Yes, it confirms my suspicion that the 71/84 was probably referred to as a '71' and had wider use than believed. I will try to locate it in photographs.

regards

khaki

[James A Pratt III]

From the book "Tanganyikan Guerrilla" 8 of the 14 Feldkompanies in GEA were still equiped with the M71 when WW I began. Three of them were reequiped with modern rifles after the battle of the Tanga. The last M71s were discarded by the Germans in July 1918. I think most if not all the M71s in use by the FKs were the M71/84s.