Venezuelan Model 1949 FN (aka FN49) Semiautomatic Military Rifle. Designed by Dieudonne Saive of Fabrique Nationale prior to WWII. Initial patents were filed in 1936. The FN 49 was not produced until after WWII. First adopted by the Belgian Army in 1951 in 30.06 caliber. Other countries that adopted this firearm are: Luxembourg (30.06); Venezuela (7mm Mauser); Egypt (8mm Mauser); and Argentina (7.65 mm Argentine).
"The first contract production of the SAFN 1949 rifle was delivered to Venezuela by May 31, 1949 composed of 2000 rifles in caliber 7x57mm Mauser with an additional 2012 rifles including cut-away training demonstration rifles delivered by July 31, 1949. The entire Venezuelan contract of 8012 rifles were sold as surplus in the United States, and are prized by US collectors, sportsmen, and hunters because of the unique features ordered by Venezuela, the general good to excellent condition of the surplus rifles and the superb accuracy of the 7x57mm Mauser cartridge." - source Wikipedia.
Being serial number 1648, this particular example was part of the initial 2000 sent to Venezuela by May 31, 1949. Venezuelan Crest is stamped on receiver; right side is stamped, "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE - HERSTAL BELGIQUE". NOTE: Flash-hider is missing from the muzzle on this example.
Factory Specifications are as follows:
- Weight: 9.1 lbs
- Overall Length: 43.7"
- Barrel Length: 23.2"
- Operation Type: Semiautomatic, Gas
- Magazine Capacity: 10
- Magazine Type: Detachable (stripper clip loading)
- Caliber: 7x57 Mauser