Mauser–Vergueiro

Lore & Background

The Mauser–Vergueiro replaced the Kropatschek m/1886 as the standard infantry rifle of the Portuguese Army in 1904, remaining in service until it was replaced by the Mauser 98k in 1939. In Portuguese service the weapon was officially designated Espingarda 6,5 mm m/1904. A lighter and shorter version was classified as a carbine and designated Carabina 6,5 mm m/1904. A total of 100,000 rifles were produced for Portugal. An additional 5,000 Mauser–Vergueiro rifles, chambered in 7×57mm Mauser, were produced in 1906 for Brazil's Federal Police, using leftover components from the Portuguese order and issued in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In 1915, 20,000 of Portugal's Mauser–Vergueiro rifles were sold to South Africa, which had insufficient Lee–Enfield SMLE rifles to supply all of its troops.

In Portuguese and South African service it was used in combat in the First World War and in several colonial campaigns. German colonial troops in East Africa also used Mauser–Vergueiro rifles, captured from allied forces in combat. The Portuguese Expeditionary Corps on the Western Front used British weapons and equipment for logistical reasons, and so did not use the Vergueiro. Although Portugal was neutral in World War II, in 1942 Portuguese forces briefly fought against the Japanese occupation of Portuguese Timor using Kropatschek rifles.

In 1939, after the Portuguese Army had adopted the 7.92×57mm Mauser 98k as the m/937, many of the remaining Mauser–Vergueiro rifles were modified to chamber the new standard cartridge. The modified rifles were called Espingarda 8 mm m/1904-39. Markings on the modified rifles remained unchanged with the exception of the caliber designation '6,5' being stamped over on some rifles with two 'X' marks. This was apparently done by individual Portuguese armorers rather than as standard practice. The 8mm variant can be distinguished visually from the 6.5mm variant with the 1939 modifications including a shorter barrel, distinctive front sight protector and ground down rear sight base.

Reader's Guide

The Mauser–Vergueiro holds significance as Portugal's standard infantry rifle for over three decades, from 1904 until 1939, and as a notable hybrid design combining elements of the Mauser 98, Gewehr 1888, and Mannlicher–Schönauer actions. Its specially developed 6.5×58mm Vergueiro cartridge was unique to the rifle. The weapon saw combat in the First World War and in several colonial campaigns, serving both Portuguese and South African forces. German colonial troops in East Africa also used captured examples. After Portugal adopted the 7.92×57mm Mauser 98k in 1939, many surviving rifles were modified to the new caliber as the m/1904-39, extending their service life. The 7.92×57mm Mauser–Vergueiro rifle was kept in limited use in the Portuguese Army until the middle 1960s, mainly in some Overseas units. These rifles are still used in Africa, for example in the Northern Mali conflict, demonstrating their enduring legacy in regions where they were originally deployed.

Did You Know?

• The Mauser–Vergueiro was designed by Portuguese infantry officer José Alberto Vergueiro in 1904.
• It used a unique 6.5×58mm Vergueiro cartridge developed specially for the rifle.
• In 1915, 20,000 Mauser–Vergueiro rifles were sold to South Africa due to a shortage of Lee–Enfield SMLE rifles.
• Modified 8mm versions (m/1904-39) remained in limited Portuguese service until the mid-1960s.